Big barriers between stem-cell studies and treatments

Published on Sunday 5 April 2009 22:18

MAJOR barriers still stand in the way of turning stem-cell breakthroughs into practical treatments, it was claimed today.

Experts at the University of Nottingham, which is at the forefront of stem-cell research, said the technology was in danger of being stifled in the UK.

Stem cells are immature cells that can develop into different kinds of tissue. Doctors hope that one day they will be used in treatments for heart failure, diabetes and degenerative brain conditions, such as Parkinson's.

Currently, about 200 companies worldwide are developing stem-cell therapies. Another 180 are banking cord blood, a source of stem cells obtained from babies' umbilical cords.

Globally, the industry has sales in excess of $1 billion (about 686 million) a year and a number of products are nearing late-stage clinical trials. But the industry is dominated by small, young companies that lack the resources to maximise their chances of success in the market place, according to the experts.

Dr Paul Martin, of the Institute of Science and Society at the University of Nottingham, said:

"Although cell therapy is now established as an important branch of medicine, innovative firms struggle to make money, putting the UK industry in a very vulnerable position in the short term."

Dr Martin warned: "Unless the situation changes, the industry will contract and the progress needed to develop important cell therapies will be adversely affected."