The MS Society has called on Gordon Brown to ring-fence funds for stem cell research into multiple sclerosis (MS). Four years ago the UK Government announced a £50million windfall for stem cell science but there has been no evidence of significant UK advances in research into conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Without a commitment to target funding of UK stem cell trials, the charity has said research into the benefit of stem cells may be at risk of "going down a blind alley". In addition, without evidence of fruitful UK trials into the benefit of stem cells, patients will continue to seek unproven therapies abroad, it warned.
The organisation, which supports the more than 85,000 people ith MS, is calling for a specific injection of £3m for translational research into regenerative medicine - taking stem cells from the scientist's bench to trials in patients.
Professor Robin Franklin, who is Director of the MS Society's Cambridge Centre for Myelin Repair, which carries out early stage stem cell research, said stem cell research in the UK needed the full support of the
Government. He added: "There is a concern among the medical research
community that the lack of adequate levels of targeted funding is contributing toward the UK losing its place at the forefront of stem cell related research initiatives.
"This, in turn, is having a detrimental impact on people with
MS in this country, by sending out the message that their condition is not
being given sufficiently high priority."
