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Full statement Supporting Funding for Stem Cell Research in Horizon 2020

Stem cell research is one of the most exciting and promising fields of biomedical research today.We call on the European Parliament, European Commission and Member States to maintain the provisions of the current framework for funding stem cell research in Horizon 2020. European Commission funding must be available to continue to support scientists investigating all types of stem cells (including human embryonic stem cells) with potential to make advances in regenerative medicine.

Stem cell research has the potential to lead to the development of treatments and therapies for patients suffering from a host of diseases and illnesses including incurable neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis , as well as type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, liver damage, spinal cord damage and blindness. Many of these conditions will increase in prevalence with an ageing population.

Stem cell research is improving our understanding of biological development, tissue repair and regeneration.Researchers are making progress in determining which illnesses and diseases are amenable to being treated with stem cell-based therapies.Stem cell technologies are also opening up exciting new approaches to disease modelling and drug development.

This field of research is complex. To enable scientists to best understand the massive potential of stem cells, scientists must be able to continue research in all avenues of stem cell research: this includes using adult, induced pluripotent, embryonic and fetal stem cells.It is too early to tell which route will be the most effective, for ultimate clinical use, so it is essential to keep all avenues of research open. Any move to make human embryonic stem cell research ineligible for Horizon 2020 funding would risk holding back progress across the entire field.

To maintain its global edge in this area of research, Europe must ensure all avenues of stem cell research continue to be financially supported, including through Horizon 2020.Europe’s strengths in this field present valuable opportunities to attract skilled scientists, biopharmaceutical companies and international investment in stem cell research to Europe, to drive the translation of basic research towards clinical benefits, and to influence the international agenda.The UK has recently committed significant funding for stem cell research as part of its Regenerative Medicine Strategy.

For further information contact:

Wellcome Trust, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK T:+44 (0)20 7611 8888