New UK centre for stem cell research
which will develop treatments for a range of currently incurable
diseases, is to be opened by Cambridge University in the UK.
The decision to build this centre places Britain at the forefront of stem cell research after a national stem bank was established in London. UK law governing stem cell research has also been relaxed to accomodate the surge of interest in this area.
An amendment in 2001 to the Human Embryology Act, which was introduced in 1990, allows legalised human embryo cloning (from which the stem cells are derived) for therapeutic purposes. Reproductive cloning, where exact replicas of people are created, remains illegal.
Professor Roger Pedersen, the future director of the centre, said: "The coordinated effort on the part of the UK stem cell enterprise sets the UK aside as the place to do this research."
"It really makes the UK the leading country."
Within the last 10 years stem cell research has become one of the most promising developments in modern medicine as this form of therapy focus's on the genetic level of disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
While the research offers the promise of an improved form of treatment, the reality is far from ideal. Scientists have yet to understand how embryo stem cells become different kinds of human tissue.
The hope is future transplant operations using stem cells will repair damaged tissue or organs in situ. Currently tissue replacement is achieved using donated organs. It is envisaged that a damaged heart, could be given injections of stem cells carrying his or her own DNA, which would then go on to create new heart muscle.
Professor Pedersen said: "Research on stem cells is likely to lead to innovative cell transplantation therapies and a greater understanding of the regenerative capacity of the body."
One of the priorities of the centre will be to target juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's. Exisiting therapies for these disorders, along with Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis fall far short of a cure. The centre will attempt to bridge the gap between fundamental stem cell research and clinical application.
With a budget of £16.5 million (€25 million), the new centre will eventually house up to 150 scientists.
Until the opening of this facility, the national stem bank situated in London was the only such facility in the world with access provided to stem cell lines derived from embryos, foetuses and adults. With the opening of the Cambridge facility stem cell research is expected to progress rapidly.
Professor Pedersen said: "We are intent upon starting human trials at the earliest possible date. This requires that we understand the basic properties of stem cells and that is the purpose of this programme."
'But we expect to be preparing patient's therapies within five years.'
