New stem cell research centre opened by Princess Royal

A NEW £54 million Scottish stem cell research centre which will look at cures for a range of illnesses including multiple sclerosis and heart and liver disease has opened.

The Princess Royal gave the royal seal of approval to pioneering bio-medical facilities when she officially opened the Scottish Centre for Regenerative Medicine.

The University of Edinburgh- run centre will carry out cutting-edge stem cell research to help find therapies for patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and heart and liver diseases.

The centre is the first large-scale, purpose-built facility of its kind and provides accommodation for up to 250 stem cell scientists.

The centre, funded by the University of Edinburgh, Scottish Enterprise, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the British Heart Foundation through its Mending Broken Hearts Appeal, was opened by the Princess Royal in her role as Chancellor of the University.

It includes the most up-to-date facilities in the UK, which meet the highest guidelines, to manufacture stem cell lines that could be used for patient therapies.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “Patients are already reaping the benefits of the research and development taking place in labs and centres across Scotland and I am confident this is set to continue. This is an incredibly exciting and dynamic time for health care - a life changing discovery could be made at this location.”

A new £24 million bio-incubator facility, called Nine, was also opened by tyhe Princess Royal in Edinburgh. It will work in conjunction with the new research centre.