Seoul funds Adult Stem Cells

South Korea has been the focus of embryonic stem cell research due to the work being carried out by Hwang Woo-suk. However, the Seoul City government is funding adult stem cell research by making 19.5 billion Won (US$18.5M) available for an adult stem cell hub:

It will be operated by six colleges which play critical roles in adult stem cell research, such as veterinary and medical colleges of Seoul National University, medical colleges of Korea University, Hanyang University, Catholic University and Sejong University. The research will also be joined by three private biotechnology companies such as ACTS, R&L Bio and Histostem, making it a collaborative effort between industry and academia.

The Seoul city government decided to pour its money into adult stem cell research, mainly because adult stem cell research is not subject to much ethical debate, unlike the embryonic stem cell research led by Hwang Woo-suk, professor of Seoul National University. Moreover, adult stem cell research is likely to be put into practical use sooner than later, with substantial impact on the treatment of incurable diseases.

The center will launch various research projects using cord blood stem cells, including basic research, animal experiments, tests for poison and safety, mass production and clinical tests at the end of this year.

Three years from now, it will start clinical tests focused on several incurable disorders; musculoskeletal disorders such as avascular necrosis osteomatoids; ischemic disorders such as stoke and cardiac infarction; neurological disorders such as spinal paralysis and Parkinson’s disease; and diabetes.