For centuries, healers have had high hopes for cell therapy. Various scientists and courtiers since the days of Louis XIV tried infusing those who were ailing with tissue from healthy humans or animals. In 1912 German doctors attempted to treat children who had underactive thyroids with normal thyroid cells, but to little avail. Advances in medicine now offer greater promise for the technique, especially as Carticel implants, which in 1997 became the first cell therapy to be given approval in America, show signs of providing long-term benefits.
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