In addition to treating diseases, stem cells can also be used test drugs in the area of drug development. Scientists have started to use stem cells as a research tool to screen potential side effects of drugs and model human diseases. Researchers can coax stem cells to differentiate into a specific type of cell/part of the body on which they want to test their drugs. Using stem cells instead of animals for drug testing saves companies money and allows the drug tests to be more accurate. Many drugs that are harmless in mice may prove to be toxic in humans, so testing drugs on human embryonic stem cells results in a much safer product. Companies can also test their drugs on stem cells from people with different genetic backgrounds, allowing them to develop safe, personalized drugs for specific groups of people. 

 

Scientists also use stem cells to study different diseases and how they develop in the body. By isolating stem cells from infected patients, scientists are able to differentiate these cells into the specific type of cell they are focused on. They can further study these cells to discover how the disease is formed and to have a better idea on detection and treatments.