Why is it taking so long for stem cell research to cure diseases?

Through the research funded by Proposition 71, California’s scientists are making remarkable progress. Already, 38+ human cell-based clinical trials are underway, in various stages of progress—and in the case of one disease, patients have even been cured. We must remember that, on average, it takes more than a decade for a therapy to move from Phase 1 testing to “real world” distribution. Overnight cures aren’t a reality. While the road ahead will be long, we’ve barely scratched the surface of stem cells’ potential. Learn more about our progress.