Our Research

At Hutchings Lab our mission is to advance medical science by developing innovative biopharmaceuticals and cell-based therapies that leverage the incredible capabilities of living systems. Traditional pharmaceuticals—primarily small molecules—have significantly transformed human health over the past century. While these synthetic compounds remain essential, they have limitations. Nature has already provided us with sophisticated tools in the form of biological systems, and we aim to harness their full potential to address medical challenges that are beyond the reach of synthetic chemistry alone.

The Promise of Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals are not a recent innovation. For example, modern insulin, a lifesaving treatment for diabetes, is a biopharmaceutical. Scientists reprogrammed bacteria to produce human insulin, replacing its native proteins. This breakthrough demonstrated how living organisms could efficiently produce complex molecules that are prohibitively difficult to
synthesize chemically. This principle—harnessing the natural abilities of living systems—is the foundation of biopharmaceuticals.
At Hutchings Lab, we are building on this legacy, developing next-generation biopharmaceuticals and therapies that go beyond what nature already provides. By combining chemistry with biology we aim to create solutions to some of the most pressing medical challenges, from chronic diseases to genetic disorders.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Cornerstone of Our Work

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) form the backbone of our research. These remarkable cells have revolutionized regenerative medicine, offering therapeutic possibilities across a wide range of conditions. MSCs can repair soft tissues, regenerate bone and cartilage, and even address neurological damage. They can also modulate the immune system, releasing growth factors and cytokines that promote healing and reduce inflammation.
A major advantage of MSCs is their low immunogenicity; they express minimal MHC I and II antigens, enabling their use across different patients with reduced risk of immune rejection. Furthermore, MSCs can be transformed into various cell types or used to create organoids, enabling applications in areas ranging from spinal cord repair to skin regeneration.
However, MSCs have limitations, particularly in terms of scalability. Their availability is finite, making it challenging to meet the growing demand for regenerative therapies.

The Future: From MSCs to iPSCs

Our long-term vision is to overcome the limitations of MSCs through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Unlike MSCs, iPSCs can be derived from virtually any tissue and expanded indefinitely. They hold the potential to replicate—and even surpass—the regenerative properties of MSCs while offering an unlimited cell source. Hutchings Lab is pioneering this transition, with a focus on creating iPSC-based therapies that are both scalable and effective.
By bridging the gap between MSCs and iPSCs, we aim to lay the groundwork for a future where personalized regenerative medicine becomes a reality.

Beyond MSCs: The Potential of Gene Therapy

MSCs are only the beginning. Hutchings Lab is also exploring gene therapy, a transformative field that addresses genetic disorders at their root cause. Unlike traditional treatments, which often manage symptoms, gene therapy corrects the underlying genetic errors, offering the potential for permanent cures.
Our research into gene therapy complements our work with MSCs and iPSCs, allowing us to tackle conditions that cell-based therapies alone cannot address. Together, these technologies represent the future of medicine, combining precision, scalability, and innovation to transform patient outcomes.

Why It Matters

At Hutchings Lab, we believe that the solutions to today’s most complex medical challenges already exist in nature. Our role is to understand and refine these tools, bringing them to patients in the form of safe, effective, and accessible therapies. From regenerative medicine to gene therapy, our research is guided by a simple principle: to push the boundaries of what’s possible and improve lives.