15 November 2005

New lab for clinical grade stem cells is completed in Sheffield

The Centre for Stem Cell Biology (CSCB) at the University of Sheffield is opening a new laboratory capable of producing embryonic stem cell lines that can be used in medical treatments. The facility represents a crucial step towards using these stem cells to treat degenerative and chronic conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease and to repair tissues after accidents or cancer.

The new facility is part of a £2.5m initiative by the University of Sheffield with support from the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Medical Research Council and the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward, to spearhead research and development on human embryonic stem cells.

In order for stem cells to be used to treat patients they must meet a strict quality standard called Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Sheffield's new facility is currently undergoing a testing process to be given GMP accreditation. The new laboratory will build on the CSCB's expertise in stem cell science, which has seen the Sheffield team derive six embryonic stem cell lines for research since 2003. The stem cell lines have been deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank for use by scientists across the world to develop regenerative medicine techniques to counter and treat disease.

Professor Harry Moore of the Centre for Stem Cell Biology said: "This new facility will enable the University of Sheffield to continue to work at the forefront of global stem cell research into regenerative medicine, which is paving the way for an international revolution in health care."

The Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, Colin Blakemore, added: "The development of this new facility signals the beginning of a new phase in the worldwide development of stem cell technologies for medical applications. I'm delighted that the MRC is able to support this unique, world class facility. We hope the research will eventually bring health benefits for everyone."

Notes for Editors: For further information please contact Danielle Reeves, media relations officer, on 0114 222 5339 or email d.reeves@shef.ac.uk

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a national organisation funded by the UK tax-payer. Its business is medical research aimed at improving human health; everyone stands to benefit from the outputs. The research it supports and the scientists it trains meet the needs of the health services, the pharmaceutical and other health-related industries and the academic world. MRC has funded work which has led to some of the most significant discoveries and achievements in medicine in the UK. About half of the MRC's expenditure of approximately £500 million is invested in its 40 Institutes, Units and Centres. The remaining half goes in the form of grant support and training awards to individuals and teams in universities and medical schools. Web site at: www.mrc.ac.uk.

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