KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Stem cell therapies have advanced in recent years, particularly in the field of regenerative medicine.
• The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a race for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies seeking applications for both treatments and a cure.
• Stem cell therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms.
• While COVID-19 vaccine/treatment stocks have been popular, investors should remain mindful of relevant ESG risks associated with proposed stem cell applications.