Yong Zhao, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Medical Sciences
Abnormalities in multiple immune cells and the deficit of insulin-producing cells are two crucial common issues in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D. Insulin therapy is not a cure. To find a cure for T1D, in 2005, Dr. Zhao discovered cord blood-derived multipotent stem cells (CB-SC) and successfully translated it into clinical use. Dr. Zhao invented Stem Cell Educator Therapy for the treatment of diabetes and other autoimmune diseases in humans. Stem Cell Educator therapy is a closed-loop system that circulates the patient’s immune cells, briefly cocultures with adherent CB-SCs in vitro, and returns only the “educated” autologous immune cells to the patient’s circulation. His groundbreaking T1D study has been noted by the American Diabetes Association at the 72nd Scientific Sessions (ADA, Philadelphia, 2012) as one of eight major diabetes breakthroughs in 2012. Recently, four-year follow-up studies demonstrated the long-term safety and clinical efficacy of Stem Cell Educator therapy for the treatment of T1D and T2D. His work received the 2006 and 2008 Rachmiel Levine Scientific Achievement Award and was covered by CNN, USA Today, Reuters, Science Daily, and WCBS news. He has 40 peer-reviewed publications and owns 8 patents including 3 international PCT patents and 5 national patents in United States.
Education
- Shanghai Second Military Medical University, PhD in Immunology, Year 2000
- Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, MS in Immunology, Year 1995
- Weifang Medical College, MD in Clinical Medicine, Year 1990
