Stem Cell
North East England has one of the highest concentrations of stem cells researchers in the UK. The economic spin-outs from this are expected to be considerable.
Among those now involved in the research effort is one of the top international cell scientists, Professor Karim Nayernia, who has been attracted to North East England.
Professor Nayernia was part of a team that was the first in the world to isolate a new type of stem cell from adult mouse testes - male sex glands - and turn them into heart, muscle, brain and other cells.
North East England Stem Cell Institute, a joint venture between Newcastle University, Durham University and NHS (National Health Service), aims to be one of the top 10 stem cell research centres in the world.
Life Knowledge Park, meanwhile, based at Newcastle’s International Centre for Life, is concentrating on research into degenerative diseases associated with ageing.
The Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS) is driving the life science and healthcare economy by identifying and exploiting market opportunities with commercial potential.
The is a spin-out business from Durham University’s School of Biological and Biomedical Science. Reinnervate is developing research tools that may lead to treatments for neuro-regenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It is one of a growing number of spin-outs supported by CELS, which has recently helped the company secure a further £450,000 of funding to continue its work.
Stem Cell Fact Sheet [pdf]
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