Scientists move towards stem cell therapy trials to mend shattered
bones
Scientists are developing a revolutionary way to mend damaged bones
and cartilage using a patient's own stem cells
The UK Stem Cell Foundation, the Medical Research Council and
Scottish Enterprise, in partnership with the Chief Scientist's
Office, are funding a £1.4 million project to further the research at
the University of Edinburgh with a view to setting up a clinical
trial within two years.
The initiative could have a major impact on treating conditions such
as osteoarthritis as well as treating trauma victims whose bones have
been shattered beyond repair.
It involves using a "bioactive scaffold" made to protect the stem
cells and simulate their growth into bone or cartilage once they are
placed in the affected area. The scaffold consists of a fairly rigid
mesh structure, coated or impregnated with a drug that affects the
patients cells.
Dr Brendon Noble, of the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for
Regenerative Medicine, said: "This is a novel approach in terms of
treating damaged bones and cartilage. The aim is to translate the
knowledge we have gained from bone biology studies into tangible
treatments for patients."
Researchers will also work with clinicians, headed by Hamish Simpson,
professor of orthopaedics and trauma at the University of Edinburgh,
with a view to eventually translating their findings into treatments
for patients.
As well as using cells derived from bone marrow, the scientists will
work in collaboration with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion
Service to culture bone forming cells derived from blood.
The advantage of these blood-sourced cells is that they can be
extracted without the need for surgery. The use of a patient's own
stem cells means that they are also unlikely to be rejected.
Dr Anna Krassowska, research manager for the UK Stem Cell Foundation
said: "In the UK hip fractures kill 14,000 elderly people every year -
more than many cancers. The worldwide market for orthopaedic devices
alone represents some $17 billion. This research has the potential
not only to impact on a significant number of people's lives but to
open up one of the largest stem cell markets in the industry."
For nearly a decade, scientists have known broadly the right chemical
conditions required to encourage undifferentiated stem cells taken
from a patient's bone marrow to change into bone and cartilage cells
in the laboratory. However, the use of the "bioactive scaffold" being
developed at the University of Edinburgh aims to enable these cells
to grow within the human body. The initial clinical trial, resulting
from the laboratory work is likely to involve around 30 patients.
###
This is the UK Stem Cell Foundation's first project in Scotland.
Scottish Enterprise has funded the project from its Stem Cell
Translational Fund – a £5 million initiative provide co-funding to
further the clinical development of regenerative therapies utilising
stem cell research
Notes to editors
The UK Stem Cell Foundation exists to support the advance of
pioneering stem cell research into medical practice. As a registered
charity established in 2005, it is achieving this by directly funding
innovative UK clinical projects with the greatest potential for
saving and improving people's lives. For more information please
visit http://www.ukscf.
Scottish Enterprise is the main economic development agency for
Scotland and aims to create a globally focused, sustainable life
sciences sector in Scotland built on a fully connected national
strategy that exploits strengths in scientific excellence, financial
services and innovative business models and that develops, retains
and builds upon Scotland's talents. For more information, visit:
http://www.scottish
The MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of
Edinburgh has among the largest grouping of stem cell researchers in
Europe. Research includes working towards medical therapies for
illnesses such as motor neurone disease, cancer, liver disease,
Parkinson's disease, diabetes and spinal cord injury. From 2010,
researchers will be based at a £59 million facility adjacent to the
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on the Edinburgh BioQuarter science and
technology park. For more information please visit
http://www.scrm.
The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is the division of the Scottish
Government Health Directorate which supports and promotes high
quality research aimed at improving the services offered by
NHSScotland, and the health of the people of Scotland. See
http://www.show.
Public release date: 18-Feb-2008
Contact: Tara Womersley
tara.womersley@
01-316-509-836
University of Edinburgh
http://www.eurekale
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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