Hauser takes over as chair of stem cell network

Stem cells. Picture courtesy ReNeuron

EESCN’s ambition is for the cluster around Cambridge to play a role in the translation of the fundamental science into routine patient treatments. Mary Archer, outgoing chair believes a number of significant hurdles must be overcome to realise this ambition.

“In addition to the scientific challenges, there is an urgent need for the industry to devise innovative business and investment models,” said Archer. “The traditional biotech model doesn’t work for stem cell therapies.” Apart from developing manufacturing processes and equipment, defining clear regulatory pathways to market, it is necessary to ensure that the appropriate IP protection is in place to enable the commercialisation of the science.

Feedback from a recent EESCN workshop suggests that much of the expertise needed to overcome these challenges already exists within the Cambridge region. The problem, according to Archer, is that the expertise is dispersed throughout the various academic departments, research institutes, hospitals, companies and professional advisers.

“Groups of experts tend to work in isolation, focussing their attention in their own area of expertise, unaware of the wealth of knowledge available in the area and so missing out on synergistic collaborations.” EESCN needs to provide a platform for people from all these different disciplines and backgrounds to meet, explore collaborations, exchange ideas, and share know-how as well as contacts and best-practice.

Hauser said, “We need to build on EESCN’s successful track record so that the academics, business executives, clinicians, policy influencers and the general public all pull together to secure the region’s future in this challenging and fast-growing sector.”