CHICAGO and MELBOURNE, Australia, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The state of Victoria, Australia's groundbreaking stem cell and cell therapy expertise will be highlighted at BIO 2006 in Chicago during the Regenerative Medicine Track Breakout Sessions.
The Victorian Government and Californian-based company Invitrogen Corporation will jointly sponsor the track, the first of its kind to be held at a BIO conference. On April 10, Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, will launch the Regenerative Medicine Track, a series of eight seminars that brings together some of the world's most influential scientists involved in stem cell and other regenerative medicine developments.
Mr. Brumby said that the Regenerative Medicine Track sessions will cover a range of issues, from the interaction between science, business and policy, to tissue regeneration, new developments in California's stem cell 'gold rush' and emerging opportunities.
"Recent advances in the field of stem cell science have opened up new prospects for success in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and Parkinson's disease," Mr. Brumby said.
"Nevertheless stem cell research, while promising, remains controversial. The purpose of this track is to bring a global perspective on stem cell science, to confront and examine ways that we can all assist and expand this exciting health area."
The following representatives from the state of Victoria, Australia, who have both helped position Melbourne at the forefront of stem cell and cell therapy research will speak on Regenerative Medicine Sessions:
Alan Trounson, the Director of Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories -- April 10 at 9:15, Room 427BC: Emerging Opportunities in Embryonic Stem Cell Medicine Peter Mountford, CEO, Stem Cell Sciences -- April 10 at 9:15, Room 427BC: Emerging Opportunities in Embryonic Stem Cell Medicine -- April 10 at 4:00, Room 427BC: Stem Cell Research in Europe: How Do Industry and Academia Collaborate
Stem cells are of particular significance to researchers because of their ability to renew and develop into any type of specialized cell in the body.
Victoria has taken a leading role in Australia in stem cell science following the discovery of human embryonic stem cells in Alan Trounson and Martin Pera's laboratory at Monash University in 1998. Today, amid tough global competition, Victoria continues to be a leader in regenerative medicine, a fact recently acknowledged by Forbes magazine.
Under the leadership of Premier Steve Bracks, Victoria has played a pivotal role in pushing stem cell legislation to allow Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), a new technique that promises new treatments for a range of devastating illnesses.
In its recent $230 million Life Sciences Statement, released in the lead up to BIO 2006, the State Government announced the establishment of an Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, to be based at Monash University.
Mr. Brumby said that the new $154 million institute will provide a focus for cutting edge research, clinical applications and the development of commercial products around one of the most significant fields of medical science.
"The new focus of the Institute will help cement Monash University's role in the international biotechnology community and boost Victoria's capability in this important field," he said.
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Victoria,CONTACT: Michelle Linn of Linnden Communications for Victoria, Australia,+1-508-419-1555, Cell +1-774-696-3803, linnmich@comcast.net
