A method that is 200 times more efficient and twice as fast as conventional methods for creating stem cells from human adult tissue without the use of embryonic cells has been developed by a team led by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute.

The researchers found two chemicals — ALK5 inhibitor SB43142 and MEK inhibitor PD0325901 — used in combination were highly effective in promoting the transformation of fibroblasts into stem cells, and added Thiazovivin, which was found effective in enhancing the cell survival pathway.