What are stem cells?
Future plans at CCMI
Embryonic stem cell research – the next step?
Comment
The landmark approval of adult stem cell research at the CCMI and the availability of funding make Ireland an attractive location for ground-breaking research and clinical trials using adult stem cells. Ireland has broken new ground in the field of adult stem cell research in recent months. The Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI) at the National University of Ireland, Galway is the first facility in Ireland to receive a licence from the Irish Medicines Board to manufacture culture expanded adult stem cells for human use in clinical trials. It is now one of only six licensed facilities in Europe.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialised cell types. They are categorised into two types, depending on whether they have been sourced from embryos (embryonic stem cells) or adult tissue (adult stem cells). The embryonic stem cell has the potential to develop into any type of cell in the human body and can be engineered to produce new tissues or organs. Adult stem cells can be used to generate a range of cell types from the originating organ, or even regenerate the entire original organ.
Future plans at CCMI
Researchers in Galway recently announced that, following successful initial clinical trials, stem cells could be used to treat osteoarthritis within five years. A trial funded by the Health Research Board and Science Foundation Ireland will investigate the use of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from bone marrow for the treatment of critical limb ischemia – a severe blockage in the arteries of the lower extremities, which significantly reduces bloodflow and, if left untreated, can lead to amputation.
The research facility at the CCMI will play a key role in ensuring that adult stem cell research in Ireland remains internationally competitive by securing funding from EU funding sources – in particular, the Horizon 2020 programme, which is the biggest EU research and innovation programme ever, with nearly €80 billion of funding available over seven years. Securing EU funding of this nature would attract significant additional private investment and represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation in the medtech sector in Ireland.
Embryonic stem cell research – the next step?
Like many programmes before it, the current Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate on and regulate stem cell research. The current lacuna in the law in Ireland relates to embryonic stem cell research, which has historically been a controversial issue as it involves the destruction of a human embryo. This issue was most recently considered by the Supreme Court of Ireland in Roche v Roche, where it ruled that an embryo in vitro does not enjoy constitutional protection. Without legislative change or a constitutional amendment, practices such as embryonic stem cell research remain unregulated. This legislative vacuum leaves the issue of embryonic stem cell research still very much uncertain and, in practical terms, means that breakthroughs in Ireland are far more likely to be made in the field of adult stem cell research.
Comment
The landmark approval of adult stem cell research at the CCMI and the availability of funding make Ireland an attractive location for ground-breaking research and clinical trials using adult stem cells.
For further information please contact Michael Finn at Matheson by telephone (+353 1 232 2000), fax (+353 1 232 3333) or email ([email protected]). The Matheson website can be accessed at www.matheson.com.
