26 January 2006
MRC Chief Executive opens new stem cell lab in Sheffield
Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, was at the University of Sheffield today to officially open a new laboratory capable of producing embryonic stem lines that can be used in medical treatments. The opening of the leading-edge facility, which is part of the University's Centre for Stem Cell Biology (CSCB), will mean a real step towards new treatments for degenerative and chronic conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease, and to repair tissues after accidents or cancer.
The new facility is currently undergoing a testing process before being granted Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) accreditation, which is a requirement for stem cells which will be used to treat patients. The launch of the new facility will allow Sheffield's CSCB to build on its expertise in stem cell science, which was highlighted last year when the UK Stem Cell Initiative ranked the University of Sheffield as the leading UK University creating stem cell patents.
The Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, Colin Blakemore, said:
"I'm delighted to be in Sheffield to open this new stem cell facility. The University of Sheffield's Centre for Stem Cell Biology is at the forefront of developing stem cell technologies for use in medical applications and this new facility will enable them to pioneer treatments for serious conditions."
Professor Harry Moore of the Centre for Stem Cell Biology said: "Stem cell research is paving the way for a healthcare revolution and our new laboratory facility here in Sheffield will allow the Centre for Stem Cell Biology to be among the first in the world to develop stem cells for eventual use in medical treatments."
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.
Notes for Editors: Since 2003 the University of Sheffield's Centre for Stem Cell Biology has derived six embryonic stem cell lines for research. 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.
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.
For further information please contact Danielle Reeves, media relations officer, on 0114 222 5339 or email d.reeves@shef.ac.uk
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