Former president of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said the department of biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research would soon come out with a roadmap for stem cell research and therapy.
Inaugurating the international conference on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine: Research to Business, at the Indian School of Business here, on Thursday, Dr Kalam said the DBT and ICMR had been working together in promoting stem cell research. “They are evolving a road map for stem cell research throu-gh three areas — adult stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells, and embryonic stem cells,” he said.
He said he was happy that focus was on stem cell research. “The experts group involved in the project promised me that they will submit the road map in a month’s time for development, production and clinical application of stem cells.”
Stating that a mission mode operation on stem cell research has been prepared, Dr Kalam said, “We should not make many small sub-critical efforts, but aim at a few focused diseases with full investment of financial and human resources.”
Research and development in human stem cells are expected to revolutionise present day medical treatment options for hard-to-treat diseases such as type-I diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.
Prof Stephen Minger, global head (R&D), GE healthcare, the UK, was honoured with the Federation of Asian Biot-ech Association award for his contribution to stem cell research.
Senior scientist Dr Seyed E. Hasnain, Prof Ajit Rangnekar, dean of ISB, major Industries minister Dr J. Geeta Reddy and others spoke on the occasion.