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£3m investment for Durham stem cell research

Stem cell scientists have taken a step closer to developing pioneering new therapies with the opening of a £3m trio of laboratories at Durham University.

The laboratories will be used for investigations into the therapeutic potential of ‘adult’ stem cells for medical issues such as wound healing and heart disease. Durham stem cell scientists are also working with Teesside company, Avecia, to develop stem cell technology for use in wound healing, which will include burns treatment for the skin.

Durham University is a key partner in the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI), and employs more than 50 stem cell researchers, including 12 senior academics. Scientists from outside Durham will also be able to use the facilities to advance their work in adult stem cells.

Professor Chris Hutchison, co-director of NESCI at Durham, said: “These facilities position Durham at the forefront of research in adult stem cells but most importantly will ensure we can take our work to the clinic and to the market within a much shorter timescale than was possible before.”

The new facilities were opened on Friday by Sir Ian Wilmut, director of the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine at Edinburgh University and co-creator of Dolly the cloned sheep, and Margaret Fay, chairman of the regional development agency, One North East, which is also a NESCI partner.

Margaret Fay said: “The North East England Stem Cell Institute has a real opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to the region’s economy, its future success and quality of life issues over the coming years.

“Durham University, as a key partner in NESCI, is playing a major part in the North East region, cementing its credentials as a centre of excellence in the field of Healthcare and Health Sciences.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .