The generation of pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into any desired functional cell type, is crucial in regenerative medicine. Chemical reprogramming with small molecules targets key signalling and epigenetic factors, providing a precise and flexible method to generate pluripotent stem cells. Such protocols based on small molecules enable the rapid synthesis and standardized production of reprogrammed cells, making them suitable for clinical translation. In 2022, we developed the first protocol to generate human chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (hCiPS cells) by the sequential treatment with four combinations of different chemical factors. Notably, our recent clinical study on transplanting insulin-producing cells derived from hCiPS cells for the treatment of type 1 diabetes achieved a preliminary functional cure, highlighting the considerable potential of chemical reprogramming in regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, challenges remain in achieving efficient and universal induction of hCiPS cells from different donors.

Our innovative system has surpassed previous limitations, efficiently converting somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells and laying a solid foundation for regenerative medicine. This paves the way for personalized treatments, promising improved therapeutic outcomes. Future approaches should explore the applicability of the protocol to diverse human somatic cell types and investigate factors that influence reprogramming efficiencies across different cell types.