PRESS RELEASES

24 November 2008

Scientists, clinicians, charities and industry discuss the way forward for stem cell therapy trials

The major stakeholder groups in stem cell research and regenerative medicine are coming together tomorrow (25 November), under the auspices of the UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN) and with the backing of Cancer Research UK and the Parkinson’s Disease Society, to explore the social, scientific and regulatory environment for clinical trials using stem cells.

UK scientists are among the world leaders in stem cell research, particularly human embryonic stem cells, and the UK has invested tens of millions of pounds of public funds. However, progress in translating this research into human clinical trials has been slow to take off. Concerns surrounding risks could potentially put the nation’s return on its investment in jeopardy.

At a workshop organised by UKNSCN, representatives from medical research charities, patient bodies and the regenerative medicine industry will hear from leading stem cell scientists and clinicians on current progress towards effective clinical therapies. The delegates will then discuss the framework within which this research can progress to the next level, early stage clinical trials, and onto UK hospitals to benefit patients. The outcome of the workshop will contribute to a consensus statement and a unified call to the Department of Health and the regulatory authorities to facilitate more early-stage clinical trials, especially those using human embryonic stem cells.

Prof Chris Mason, a UKNSCN Steering Committee member and spokesperson for the Network said: "The UK through its firm commitment of public money to stem cell research remains at the cutting edge of the science. Now is therefore the time to translate this valuable knowledge into real benefits for patients. This will require additional funding for translation and manufacture plus strong commitment to these advanced therapies from the NHS.”

Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Development, Parkinson’s Disease Society, said: “Stem cell research offers hope for sufferers of a number of currently incurable diseases. There is clearly more research and work needed before we will know exactly what therapies will be of most benefit. However, we must ensure that the way ahead is clear of any unnecessary obstacles that could prevent patients from benefiting as soon as possible.”

ENDS

Contact

UKNSCN Media Relations
Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299, Mobile: 07766 423372
Direct email: matt.goode@bbsrc.ac.uk

Nancy Mendoza, Tel: 01793 413355, Mobile: 07785 710 536
Direct email: nancy.mendoza@bbsrc.ac.uk

UKNSCN Press Office email: ukpo@uknscn.org

Notes to Editors

The UKNSCN-charities workshop on stem cell research and progress towards early-stage clinical trials will take place on Tuesday 25 November 2008 in Canary Wharf, central London. The workshop is sponsored by UKNSCN, the Parkinson’s Disease Society and Cancer Research UK. At the end of the workshop a consensus statement will be prepared that will describe how permissive the current social, scientific and regulatory environment is to the progress of stem cell research to early-stage clinical trials, and ascertain how close we really are to such clinical trials in a range of different diseases/conditions.

About UKNSCN

The UK National Stem Cell Network acts as a network of the existing regional stem cell networks in the UK, to bring coordination and coherence to a range of national and regional activities in the field of stem cell research.

2009 will be the second UKNSCN Annual Conference. The inaugural conference attracted 350 delegates to Edinburgh in April 2008. Given the limited places and expected increase in overseas participation, early registration is recommended.

The UKNSCN secretariat receives financial support from four of the UK Research Councils:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Network represents the UK stem cell research community and is run through an independent Steering Committee. Initially, the secretariat is operated by BBSRC on behalf of all the Government sponsors of stem cell research, including the Research Councils, the Department of Health and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.