Pharma companies can benefit from stem cell research:
Expert
Posted AtBusiness
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Contrary to the fear that stem
cell research would affect pharma companies, an international
expert said that it would help them in developing new
drugs to cure complications arising out of the transplantation
process.
For most part, pharma companies have benefited from
stem cell research. The companies can turn to research
for developing anti-infectives and new drugs, said Naynesh
R Kamani, professor of pediatrics and immunology, Children's
National Medical Center, Washington, US, while addressing
a press conference at an international symposium on
stem cell therapy and research.
Though the use of cord blood for stem cell may be relatively
new to India, in US and European regions, stem cell
research has been happening for the past 15 years and
they are largely successful. Cord blood has the potential
not only to rebuild blood forming systems but also to
cure non-blood diseases like diabetes and cardiac diseases,
he said.
"During the next decade, the potential of the use of
cord blood will be realised in India. We have seen this
in the US during last decade," he added.
Lifecell, India's first private cord blood bank, in
association with Sri Ramachandra Medical College Research
and Institute (SRMC & RI), is organising an international
symposium on stem cell therapy and research with special
reference to umbilical cord blood in Chennai, Mumbai
and Delhi during January 6-8. International physicians
and experts will talk about applications of stem cell
therapy in various fields of medicine.
LifeCell and SRMC & RI are jointly setting up India's
first stem cell transplant centre in Chennai, which
will be operational from June 2006. The centre will
initially focus on haematological and oncological ailments
and expand to other areas in a phased manner.
January 05, 2006 |
