Hello, this is Woori Plastic Surgery.
One concept that has recently been attracting growing interest in the medical field is advanced regenerative medicine.
It is a medical field that aims to regenerate damaged tissues or restore functions, or treat diseases, by using human cells and other materials in ways that differ from conventional medications or surgical treatments.
Representative categories include cell therapy, gene therapy, and tissue-engineered therapy. In particular, these approaches are presenting new possibilities for diseases where it has been difficult to achieve sufficient treatment effects with existing treatments alone.
At Woori Plastic Surgery, we are also introducing advanced regenerative medicine in line with these changes in the medical environment and establishing related systems and a clinical care environment.
Today, we will look at what advanced regenerative medicine is and how it differs from general medical practice.
What Is Advanced Regenerative Medicine?
Advanced regenerative medicine refers to medical technologies that use human cells and other materials to regenerate or restore the structure or function of the human body, or to treat or prevent disease.
Representative examples include cell therapy, which uses cells; gene therapy, which uses genetic material; and tissue-engineered therapy, which combines cells with tissue-engineering technologies.
Combined therapies that apply two or more of these technologies together may also be included.
While conventional treatments have sometimes focused on controlling symptoms or suppressing disease progression, regenerative medicine differs in that it researches new treatment possibilities for restoring or regenerating the functions of damaged cells and tissues.
Why Is Advanced Regenerative Medicine Receiving Attention?
Although medical technology continues to advance, rare and difficult-to-treat diseases still exist for which existing treatments alone are not sufficient.
Research and treatment in advanced regenerative medicine are being carried out with the aim of creating new treatment options in these areas.
It is also attracting attention because it may develop into personalized medicine that takes the characteristics of a patient’s cells and tissues into account.
However, the fact that a technology is new does not guarantee its effectiveness. Because the potential benefits and risks vary depending on the disease and treatment method, sufficient consideration of safety and efficacy is necessary.
Can It Be Performed at Any Medical Institution?
No, it cannot.
Unlike general medical practice, advanced regenerative medicine is subject to a separate management system under the relevant laws.
To conduct clinical research in advanced regenerative medicine and treatments provided under the relevant system, an institution must meet the requirements prescribed by law, including requirements for facilities, equipment, and specialized personnel, and must be designated by the Minister of Health and Welfare as an institution authorized to provide advanced regenerative medicine—in other words, a regenerative medicine institution.
In addition, legally mandated training is required for the relevant essential personnel at regenerative medicine institutions, and doctors and others who provide treatments are subject to separate treatment-related training.
Woori Plastic Surgery Has Also Introduced Advanced Regenerative Medicine
Woori Plastic Surgery is also keeping pace with changes in medical technology by introducing advanced regenerative medicine and establishing related clinical care and management systems.
Because regenerative medicine involves handling cells, it differs from simply introducing a single new piece of equipment.
A systematic approach is important across multiple areas, including personnel and facilities, cell and specimen management, documentation, and quality control.
In particular, because storage and quality control are important when handling human cells and other materials, it is necessary to establish a management environment that meets the prescribed standards.
Safety Management Is Important from Treatment Planning Through Follow-Up Care
Safety management is one of the areas given particular importance in advanced regenerative medicine.
Under the current system, regenerative medicine institutions cannot freely provide any treatment they choose simply because they are designated as such. Treatment plans must undergo review and approval in accordance with the relevant procedures.
A system is also in place for safety monitoring and management after treatment, and regenerative medicine institutions are subject to regular management and inspections.
Therefore, when learning about advanced regenerative medicine, it is important not to focus only on explanations such as “stem cells are used.” You should also check whether the medical institution and treatment plan meet the requirements established under the relevant laws and regulations.
Changes to the Advanced Regenerative Medicine System Since 2025
The advanced regenerative medicine system is also continuing to change.
In particular, the amended Advanced Regenerative Bio Act took effect in February 2025, expanding the institutional scope beyond its previous focus on clinical research to include advanced regenerative medicine treatments that meet certain requirements.
However, this does not mean that treatments can be freely provided to everyone. According to guidance from the Regenerative Medicine Promotion Foundation, treatments must be provided in accordance with an approved treatment plan, and separate requirements also apply based on factors such as the treatment population and risk level.
As the relevant system expands while safety management standards are established alongside it, the scope of advanced regenerative medicine applications in clinical settings is also expected to continue changing in the future.
Advanced regenerative medicine is a field that may help address the limitations of existing treatments by applying advanced biotechnologies, including cell, gene, and tissue-engineering technologies, to medicine.
However, rather than approaching it simply because it is a new treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly review the supporting evidence, intended patients, safety, and the qualifications and management systems of the medical institution.
At Woori Plastic Surgery, we are also responding to changes in the medical environment by introducing advanced regenerative medicine and establishing related systems.
Going forward, we will continue working to provide accurate information about advanced regenerative medicine based on the relevant laws and safety management standards, and to provide systematic medical services.
