ReNeuron picks Roslin for stem cells trials

ROSLIN Cells, a spin-out company from the institute that created Dolly the Sheep, yesterday won a contract to supply stem cells to Aim-quoted ReNeuron.

Aidan Courtney said the new contract was firms biggest

Angel Biotechnology, the Aim-quoted firm that fell into administration in January, had previously carried out work for ReNeuron at its manufacturing facility in Edinburgh.

Aidan Courtney, chief executive at Roslin Cells, which was launched in 2006 and recently moved from the Roslin Institute to the Edinburgh BioQuarter, told The Scotsman that the contract was its biggest to date.

“This is an important step for our company,” said Courtney, who has 25 staff and is looking at add more workers. “The stem cell sector is growing and is going to grow even further over the coming years.”

Netherlands-based Pharmacell will also manufacture stem cells for ReNeuron, which is carrying out a clinical trial at Glasgow’s Southern General Hospital to see if the cells can be used to treat stroke patients.

A second trial, to help patients who have lost limbs, is due to get underway at Ninewells hospital in Dundee.

The company is also working with University College London on a treatment for eye diseases.

Michael Hunt, chief executive at ReNeuron, told yesterday’s annual general meeting: “We are delighted to report continuing progress across all aspects of our operations.

“Our therapeutic programmes are progressing to plan and we now have the opportunity to both enhance and take full control over the manufacture of our stem cell therapy candidates as they get closer to market.”