Australia's contribution to Stem Cell Safety

I have been following the Stem Cells Australia website and there has been a study looking at the safety issues of stem cell therapy. I think safety is incredibly important as it is great when a treatment looks to be working, but if things can go wrong further down the track it can be disastrous. The Universities of Melbourne and NSW were apart of the study as well as the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). They found that some stem cells after prolonged growth can have genetic changes (like that of cancer), but the majority will not change. The study states that if the changing stem cells can be eliminated it would reduce further complications down the track.

Safety is paramount when dealing with the human body. I think I'd be quite nervous being apart of studies and I admire the bravery of those who do. Safety studies like this help eliminate adverse possibilities and I think it is promising that there is so much research focusing on stem cells.

Here's the link to the Stem Cells Australia website, with further links at the bottom of their page.

Stem Cells Australia

Aussie Stem Cells

There is a new Aussie initiative officially launched on the 10th November 2011 called "Stem Cells Australia". It is led by Professor Martin Pera in collaboration with various Australian Universities and Research Institutes and supported by the Australian Government. One aspect of their research is in human embryonic stem cells and their ability to become any bodily cells, which as we know is being trialled as a potential treatment for Stargardt's. They also aim to tackle ethical issues surrounding stem cells, which is sure to be an interesting debate!

As yet, there is no specific mention to Stargardt's or any ocular conditions, but it is a step in the right direction for Australia and for the possibility of treatments being made available here.

The website has a whole heap of information so check it out.

I am particularly looking forward to the ethical debates, since it is a potential treatment for Stargardt's and I know there are many groups opposing the use of embryonic stem cells.

Will keep all updated!

Stem Cells Australia