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UKSCF inspires investment at European Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Congress  

The UK Stem Cell Foundation today (6th June 2006) urged delegates at the European Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine congress to consider the wealth of investment opportunities available in translational stem cell research.

Opening the speeches on funding, regulation and the patentability of stem cells on the second of the three day Congress in London, UKSCF Chief Executive David Macauley discussed the unique challenges facing ‘translational’ stem cell researchers in acquiring funding support.

Said David: “Translational stem cell research aims to move basic research principles into the clinic. It is highly disciplined, often repetitive and expensive work than it is unlikely to lead to ‘tier one’ publications. Because it is hypothesis led as opposed to discovery led it is often shunned by existing funding mechanisms and academics.

“Yet it is the vital link between laboratory research and the implementation of stem cell based techniques into medical practice.”

The high risks associated with translational research, the lack of proof of concept and inability to guarantee company ‘spin offs’ were all noted as barriers to private investment.  

“Yet there are so many opportunities for venture capitalists and other private investors. The use of stem cells in drug testing and toxicology tests as well as supportive industries which provide cell cultures, growth reagents and production technologies to facilitate stem cell research are all growing industries.

“Furthermore, if the results of the Foundation’s projects were to lead to even a small group of people leading better or longer lives then for us this would be the ultimate return on investment.”

David Macauley joined a host of additional academics, clinicians and industry leaders from around the world including Professors Ian Wilmut and Stephen Minger and representatives from Geron, Astrazeneca and Invitrogen to discuss current applications of stem cells and how to realise their therapeutic potential.