Tuesday 27 January 2009

Human trials for stem cell therapy

Stem cells research to find a cure for macular degeneration is set to take a big step forward in the United Kingdom. British scientists said earlier this week that they will apply this year to start the first human trials. It will be the first time embryonic stem cells therapy is used on human beings to treat the eyes.

This possible breakthrough comes after the United States approved human trials of embryonic stem cells tests on paralysis treatment. So far, embryonic stem cells therapy has been tested only on animals. But the success of those tests have given scientists confidence to start trials on humans.

The application for the trials is expected to be made later this year and scientists are hopeful that the trials proper will start next year or 2011.

For more about this exciting development, click here.

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