Stem cell research in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been given a much-needed shot in the arm thanks to a partnership between the UK's largest charity supporting people affected by the condition and the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting stem cell research.
The MS Society and the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) today (Thursday) formally marked the beginning of the collaboration by announcing a call for research grant applications that can now dip into a dedicated pot of joint-funding up to £1million.
Dr Doug Brown, Biomedical Research Manager at the MS Society, said the partnership would "pump prime" and speed up stem cell research.
He added: "We're delighted to announce this partnership that is the first of its kind and look forward to receiving applications for research funding.
"Stem cells are showing real promise in MS, and the sooner we can take the science from the bench to the bedside, the sooner people with MS will get the answers they so desperately need."
The potential of stem cells as a treatment for MS has long been the subject of much interest and debate.
In 2009, the MS Society convened an International Consensus Meeting for stem cell therapies and MS and a number of international experts put forward the view that MS is a condition that could benefit greatly from targeted and increased stem cell research investment and the collaboration is in direct response to that.
The UK is a recognised global leader in all aspects of stem cell research and in an ideal position to advance stem cell techniques into the clinic for the benefit of billions of people around the globe.
Progress in this area is being hindered, however, by a critical gap between currently available government and private funding and the countless promising research projects in need of financial assistance.
Without increasing commitment and funding for research and a push for clinical trials, there are fears these benefits will not be realised.
"People with MS and the world's leading researchers have made it clear that more research is needed now," Dr Brown added.
The MS Society and UKSCF will work together to raise awareness of MS and stem cell research with the aim of attracting high quality research applications.
Sir Richard Sykes, UKSCF Board of Trustees Chairman, said: "The UK Stem Cell Foundation is delighted to be joining forces with the MS Society to advance the translation of stem cell science towards innovative new therapies for multiple sclerosis."
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