Regenerative Medicine Events and Networks
Several regional networks have been established at a grass roots level in the UK. All are designed to bring together the local academic, clinical and commercial sectors by holding regular networking events.
The Scottish Stem Cell Network exists to bring together scientists and clinicians to improve the rate at which innovative stem cell research translates into new treatments for degenerative diseases.
The East of England Stem Cell Network seeks to promote innovation in stem cell research and it’s applications, and establish the east of England as a global leader in this field.
A number of groups in Manchester are carrying out research into the cell and developmental biology and physiology of stem cells and their medical applications. The Manchester Stem Cell Network promotes collaboration of this research effort.
The London Regenerative Medicine Network hold monthly network meeting sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline with assistance from the London Biotechnology Network.
Regenerative Medicine Laws and Guidance Documents
For an overview of Regenerative medicine Laws and Guidance Documents see PAS 83 Guidance on standards, standardized methods and regulation for cell-based therapeutics, from basic research to clinical application
In the UK, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), in its role as the UK Stem Cell Bank has established a Code of Practice for the Use of Stem Cell Lines and it is envisaged that this will be an integral part of the stem cell product production procedure in the UK.
The Department of Health and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) already have in place codes of practice for tissue banks and human derived therapeutic products and the Human Tissue Act (2004) implemented in 2006 will enhance these.
The European Commission adopted formal proposals for a Regulation on advanced therapy medicinal products/tissue engineering in November 2005. The Commission’s proposal and related documents are available on the Commission’s website.
Negotiations on the proposed Regulation were launched in January 2006 under Austrian Presidency. Political agreement within European Parliament was reached on the proposed Regulation at the Health Council on 31 May 2007. See the Press release from the MHRA.
Principle UK Funding Bodies in Regenerative Medicine
The UK Medical Research Council is a national organisation funded by the UK taxpayer, promoting research into all areas of medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the nation.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is the UK's principal funder of strategic biological research. BBSRC invests around £336 million per annum in the biosciences and funds research in some of the most exciting areas of science, including stem cell research.
The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health.
