Stanford University
Blau's discoveries transformed our understanding of cell differentiation and muscle stem cell biology. World renowned in regenerative medicine, Blau recently discovered a pivotal molecular determinant of the muscle dysfunction characteristic of aging, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. This enzyme, which she termed a ‘gerozyme', modulates Prostaglandin E2 levels and can be targeted therapeutically with a small molecule to promote muscle and cartilage regeneration and rejuvenation. Phase 1 clinical trials have been completed and phase 2 for sarcopenia will be underway in 2026. This treatment holds promise as a therapy for sarcopenia and for osteoarthritis.
Helen Blau is a citizen of US and UK. She earned a Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University, pursued postdoctoral research at UCSF, and joined the faculty at Stanford University. She is the Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation Professor and Director of the Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served as President of the Society for Developmental Biology and President of the International Society for Differentiation. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Inventors, has 16 issued U.S. patents, and co-founded two biotechnology companies. She was elected to the Harvard Board of Overseers. Dr. Blau is the recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Nijmegen in Holland and the University of York in England. She is an elected member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society. She also co-wrote a children’s book “Stem Cells to the Rescue”. In January 2025, Dr. Blau was awarded the United States National Medal of Science, the highest recognition bestowed on scientists in the U.S.
Blau's discoveries transformed our understanding of cell differentiation and muscle stem cell biology. World renowned in regenerative medicine, Blau recently discovered a pivotal molecular determinant of the muscle dysfunction characteristic of aging, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. This enzyme, which she termed a ‘gerozyme', modulates Prostaglandin E2 levels and can be targeted therapeutically with a small molecule to promote muscle and cartilage regeneration and rejuvenation. Phase 1 clinical trials have been completed and phase 2 for sarcopenia will be underway in 2026. This treatment holds promise as a therapy for sarcopenia and for osteoarthritis.
Helen Blau is a citizen of US and UK. She earned a Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University, pursued postdoctoral research at UCSF, and joined the faculty at Stanford University. She is the Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation Professor and Director of the Baxter Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served as President of the Society for Developmental Biology and President of the International Society for Differentiation. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Inventors, has 16 issued U.S. patents, and co-founded two biotechnology companies. She was elected to the Harvard Board of Overseers. Dr. Blau is the recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Nijmegen in Holland and the University of York in England. She is an elected member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society. She also co-wrote a children’s book “Stem Cells to the Rescue”. In January 2025, Dr. Blau was awarded the United States National Medal of Science, the highest recognition bestowed on scientists in the U.S.