Adult stem cells (ASCs) are found throughout the body and are present in all of us at all ages. The primary roles of adult stem cells in a living organism are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found.

An adult stem cell is derived from an embryonic stem cell which we all have at birth. ASCs can be found in juvenile as well as adult animals and humans. An adult stem cell can be found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ and can renew itself as well as differentiate to yield some or all of the major specialized cell types of the tissue or organ. ASCs are found in many adult tissues, including the bone marrow and adipose tissue. ASCs multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues.

Given both the clinical and ethical issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, Magellan has been pursuing the use of adult stem cells from adipose tissue (ADMSCs) in the treatment of a number of conditions in the veterinary setting.