Stem cell research centre to come up at CMC

In a bid to recognise the potential of stem cells in treating diseases, the Department of Biotechnology of the Union ministry of science and technology will set up a centre for transitional research in stem cells at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, at an initial investment of Rs 18 crore.

Addressing a press conference, George M Chandy, director, CMC, said that the centre will focus on the use and manipulation of bone-marrow and cord blood derived adult stem cells for clinical purposes.

"We will also attempt to genetically modify these cells and go in for 'gene therapy' for use in people with genetic diseases," he added.

Answering a query on whether CMC will also look out for stem cell banking, Chandy replied that CMC, being a non-profit organisation, will not venture into such activities and that they would like to confine themselves to research.

Chandy said that clinical trials are being initiated to assess the regenerative potential of these cells in cardiac disorders and a partnership with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore is also being established in this regard.

This collaboration, besides involving some of the basic science aspects of the stem cell research, will also include an integrated programme that will provide a track for PhD for both medical graduates and post graduates, he added.

The hospital, which posted a Rs 180 crore turnover last year, will soon set up tele-medicine facility in the north-eastern states of the country in technical collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chandy said.