Scots stem cell work is tied up with China

Published on Friday 10 April 2009 22:13

SCOTTISH researchers have agreed closer working ties with scientists in China in efforts to drive forward stem cell discoveries, it was announced yesterday.

The Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM) at Edinburgh University and China's National Centre for International Research in Stem Cells (NCIR) have signed a landmark agreement to increase collaboration in stem cell research.

The deal brings together two of the world's leading centres for stem cell developments.

Professor Sir Ian Wilmut, director of the SCRM, said: "Through collaboration, Scotland can provide NCIR with access to world-class research, a skilled workforce and a bustling academic research community that is breaking new ground in stem cell biology every day."

Over the past year, Edinburgh researchers have made key discoveries which could help reduce the need for liver transplants, produce synthetic blood to guarantee a supply for transfusions, mend shattered bones, and screen for harmful side- effects before new drugs are tested.

Further ongoing work could ultimately spell an end to the need for human embryos as a source of stem cells.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who addressed delegates at the signing ceremony, welcomed the initiative.

"International co-operation and the reduction of duplication in research are of central importance to the development of realistic cures for some of the world's most complex genetic diseases.

"This collaboration will see the development of technologies, standards and programmes in all areas of regenerative medicine to bring fresh hope of cures to millions of people throughout the world suffering crippling infirmities."