UK and US Stem Cell Banks team up to share expertise

Published: 16-Mar-2011
Research & Development

Plan to drive forward stem cell research

The UK Stem Cell Bank, based at the Health Protection Agency’s National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) in Hertfordshire, and the Human Stem Cell Bank and Registry at the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Medical School in the US, plan to share stem cell expertise and technology.

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.’

See more

You may also like

Manufacturing

Sapio Sciences introduces world’s first 3rd-generation ELN

Read more
Sapio ELaiN is an AI-powered lab notebook designed to act as a scientific collaborator

Trending Articles

  1. Douglas Pharmaceuticals sets new benchmark for capsule quality with CI Precision Partnership delivers compliance confidence, efficiency gains and reduced waste
  2. Servier acquires potential treatment for Fragile X syndrome KER-0193, a novel, orally bioavailable small molecule, was granted orphan drug and rare paediatric drug designation by the US FDA
  3. NICE recommends enfortumab vedotin with KEYTRUDA for adults in England/Wales with untreated metastatic urothelial cancer The results from the Phase III study EV-302/KN-A39 showed nearly a doubling of survival rates in patients compared with those who received platinum-based chemotherapy, which is the current standard of care in the UK
  4. Ryvu to support BioNTech’s clinical trials for cancer in Poland Ryvu will leverage its clinical network to streamline access to BioNTech’s investigational immunotherapies for Polish patients
  5. Intranasal GLP-1 medication from Orexo shows positive results in preclinical trial Orexo's AmorphOX technology had positive results when compared against oral and injectable formulations in the study

Upcoming event

Enhancing probiotic stability through smarter formulation and packaging strategies

18 September 2025 | Virtual See all

You may also like

Manufacturing

Sapio Sciences introduces world’s first 3rd-generation ELN

Sapio ELaiN is an AI-powered lab notebook designed to act as a scientific collaborator
Research & Development

Genoskin raises $8.7m in its first funding round to advance its ethical, human-based alternatives to animal testing

The financing will drive Genoskin’s next phase of growth, with a view to scaling up operations in both the US and France
Manufacturing

L.B. Bohle to showcase machines for OSD, food and nutraceuticals at PACK EXPO 2025

Company to present advanced blending, particle sizing and coating technologies at Las Vegas event
Drug Delivery

Tiziana receives grant for intranasal anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody therapy for spinal cord injury

The US Department of Defense awarded the biotechnology company a research grant to study the use of intranasal anti-CD3 therapy in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI)
Regulatory

Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide scores EU approval for cardiovascular benefits

Rybelsus is now the first and only oral GLP-1 RA to reduce cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke
Manufacturing

Anton Paar launches next-generation rheometers for unmatched precision

New instrument series redefines possibilities in rheological testing and analysis
Drug Delivery

Rice University scientists create hydrogel platform for precision, long-lasting drug delivery

The researchers have developed a peptide hydrogel system that slows and extends drug release, improving treatment adherence and efficacy across therapies ranging from tuberculosis medication to insulin
Subscribe now