Cell Therapy Catapult and Stem Cell Foundation to collaborate
To progress stem cell-based therapies from early stage research to later stages of development
The UK’s Cell Therapy Catapult (CT Catapult), which is focused on the development of the UK cell therapy industry, is to work with the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF), a charity focused on the advancement of stem cell treatments towards the clinic, to progress stem cell-based therapies. The two organisations, which have entered into a memorandum of understanding, are both focused on moving potential therapeutic approaches on from early-stage research to the later stages of development.
The CT Catapult and the charity aim to build a pipeline of projects.
Since 2005 the UKSCF has supported projects in indications from spinal cord repair, ophthalmic, liver and cardiac disease, and tendon repair. Building on the UK's early stage research base, the CT Catapult is working on building a similarly broad pipeline. The two organisations will meet regularly to discuss projects and potential support packages, including other partners.
Keith Thompson, CEO of the Cell Therapy Catapult, said: ‘With the philanthropic sector an increasingly important source of life sciences research funding globally, we are very pleased to be working with the UK Stem Cell Foundation on the development of much needed therapies. The charity is a major UK funder in this area, and exemplifies the kind of high quality organisation the Cell Therapy Catapult expects to collaborate with as it works to build a thriving UK cell therapy industry.‘
UKSCF’s CEO Lil Shortland added: ‘It is clear that some of the projects we support fit within the remit of the Catapult and would benefit from the specialist support that it can provide.’