UK Opens Stem Cell Research Center (written by Biloine Young @ OTW)
Scientists at Newcastle University and Arthritis Research, in the United Kingdom, are joining the international campaign to successfully regenerate bone and cartilage, damaged by degenerative joint disease, through the use of a patient’s own stem cells.
The research, if successful, could revolutionize the treatment of osteoarthritis. Researchers say that within five years they hope to treat early osteoarthritis by introducing adult stem cells and other types of cells into damaged joints and repair damage through less invasive operations—which will ultimately delay the need for joint replacement.
Professor Andrew McCaskie, centre director and professor of orthopaedic surgery at Newcastle University’s Institute of Cellular Medicine and the Freeman Hospital, is leading the studies in the region.
“This is an exciting new development,” said McCaskie. “We hope and aim that elements of this approach will go from the bench to the bedside within the first five years. Osteoarthritis affects eight million people in the UK and our study is bringing together groups from all around the UK, including doctors and...
