Interstemcell Conference 2024: Pioneering a New Era in Cellular Therapeutics

Bangkok, Thailand | 29 May 2024 — The International Cellular Therapeutics (ICT) Conference 2024, held at the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) Head Office in Pathum Thani, marked a pivotal moment for Southeast Asia’s cell and gene therapy ecosystem. Co-organised by Atlantis Bioscience, Vega Wellness, and TISTR, this inaugural flagship event brought together leading minds across biomedical science, clinical application, and translational innovation.

Held under the theme "For Cellular Therapeutics Advancement 2024: Assemble with Leaders in the Field, Synergize and Create Impact that Save Lives," the full-day event featured a dynamic lineup of global speakers, showcasing breakthroughs in stem cell research, immunotherapy, AI integration, and veterinary regenerative medicine.

A Truly Translational Gathering

The conference stood out for its dual focus on human and veterinary applications, highlighting real-world advancements and showcasing the region’s growing capability in translational medicine.

Professor Too Heng-Phon from the National University of Singapore delivered a compelling keynote, walking attendees through a 15-year research journey on non-viral, genetically engineered “cellular pharmacies”. His work with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) demonstrated tumour-homing properties and therapeutic applications in both companion animals and first-in-human compassionate use cases.

“What if we as scientists in the lab can take what we do and translate it for mankind? That is our vision and that’s our mission,” — Prof. Too

Veterinary Regenerative Medicine in the Spotlight

The conference also highlighted Thailand’s leadership in veterinary translational medicine. Assistant Professor Dr. Ruttachuk Rungsiwiwut (Srinakharinwirot University) shared clinical applications of stem cells in dogs and cats, from joint regeneration to wound healing in amputation cases, calling for stronger cross-disciplinary standards and regulatory frameworks.

“Animals deserve the same standard of treatment as humans,” Dr. Ruttachuk stated. “We must understand their cell biology, work across disciplines, and ensure quality before applying stem cell therapies in veterinary medicine.”

Global Experts, Diverse Perspectives

Other featured speakers included:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jungjoon Kempthorne Lee (NUS, Singapore) on Extru-seq for CRISPR off-target prediction in human stem cells

• Dr. Sun Hongyan (Gempharmatech, China) on non-clinical CAR-T cell evaluation

• Prof. Gary Lim Wei Khoon (Malaysia) on stem cells and Thailand’s regenerative health tourism strategy

• Dr. Jennifer Dodgson (KIpley AI, Singapore) on the role of artificial intelligence in regenerative medicine

The diverse sessions bridged scientific rigour with commercial and clinical relevance—reaffirming the growing importance of Asia’s CGT ecosystem in the global therapeutic landscape.

“Our cooperation is undoubtedly one of the key drivers accelerating the momentum to translate research into tangible treatment for people worldwide,” said Dr. Pongsathon Phapugrangkul, Chief Administrative Expert at TISTR, in his closing remarks.

Powered by Collaboration

Hosted under the Interstemcell banner, the event was the result of strong collaboration between Atlantis Bioscience, a biomedical solutions provider committed to translational success; Vega Wellness, a regional health innovation hub; and TISTR, one of Thailand’s leading scientific institutions.

As Atlantis Bioscience’s Director Daniel Toh remarked during the networking session:

“ICT 2024 isn’t just a conference—it’s a catalyst for new partnerships, real translational outcomes, and regional readiness for cell and gene therapy.”

Looking Ahead

With enthusiastic participation from regional scientists, clinicians, regulators, and entrepreneurs, the conference has laid a strong foundation for what will become a recurring platform for CGT collaboration in Asia.