UK and US Stem Cell Banks team up to share expertise
Plan to drive forward stem cell research
The UK and UMASS Stem Cell Banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will outline plans for cooperation in a variety of stem cell areas including the delivery of stem cell lines for clinical use.
The agreement outlines plans for the two stem cell banks to work together to ensure that best practice and high standards in stem cell banking are employed at both sites. They will also develop international training events for scientists involved in stem cell research.
Stem cells are the body's 'master cells', with the potential to become many different types of tissue. It is hoped that stem cell treatments may be used in future to help people with Parkinson's disease, diabetes or multiple sclerosis by repairing and replacing diseased and damaged body tissue.
The UK Stem Cell Bank, funded by the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, is a repository for human cell lines, derived from stem cells. It also holds new and existing adult, foetal and embryonic stem cell lines. Stem cell lines are provided only to accredited researchers to ensure the safe and ethical development of any potential stem cell therapy.
Dr Stephen Inglis, director of HPA's NIBSC said: ‘International co-operation is vital in this fast moving field and we expect that the partnership will accelerate the development of important new therapies, as well as keeping the UK at the forefront of stem cell research.’
Joseph Laning, senior director of the Human Stem Cell Bank and Registry at UMASS Medical School, added: ‘Both banks share common goals and needs. Working in concert allows us to develop strategies that will shape stem cell production, characterisation, banking and distribution in a dynamic field. Each bank brings its own unique attributes to bear in a way that will enhance our influence in the field.’
You may also like
Trending Articles
-
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Upcoming event
You may also like
Research & Development
OSE Immunotherapeutics receives positive IDMC review for Phase III ARTEMIA trial
OSE Immunotherapeutics SA has received a second positive recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee to continue its Phase III ARTEMIA trial of Tedopi in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Research & Development
Lilly’s Orforglipron beats oral semaglutide in Phase III ACHIEVE-3 trial with superior weight loss
Head-to-head data published in The Lancet show Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 candidate orforglipron delivered significantly greater HbA1c reductions and weight loss than oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes, supporting global regulatory submissions
Regulatory
Johnson & Johnson files FDA application for IMAAVY in wAIHA
Johnson & Johnson has submitted an sBLA to the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval of IMAAVY as the first-ever treatment for warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, supported by Phase II/III ENERGY trial data showing rapid and durable haemoglobin response
Research & Development
Almirall advances etherna’s mRNA/LNP therapy LAD116 into IND-enabling studies
Almirall has selected LAD116, developed using etherna's intratumoral mRNA/LNP platform, for IND-enabling studies in non-melanoma skin cancer, marking a key milestone toward GMP manufacturing and Phase I clinical trials
Research & Development
SPARK THE MIDLANDS backs Aston University anti-cancer bone paste collaboration
A collaboration between Aston University and Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has secured support from SPARK THE MIDLANDS to advance a minimally invasive gallium-doped injectable paste for treating primary and metastatic bone cancer