James Thomson
First to derive human embryonic & iPS cells · b. 1958
James Thomson and colleagues reported human embryonic stem-cell lines derived from blastocysts in 1998. The lines could proliferate while retaining pluripotent characteristics and provided an influential platform for studying human development, differentiation and potential cell-derived products.
Thomson's laboratory also contributed to early human iPS-cell work. These discoveries established research platforms, not blanket approval for embryonic- or iPS-derived therapies. Any clinical derivative must be defined and evaluated as its own product. See the 1998 Science paper and the Nobel scientific background on reprogramming.
Most clinical uses of stem cells remain investigational — check the evidence and approval status for your condition before acting on any clinic's claims.