Researchers Agree on Future of MS Stem Cell Research

LONDON, May 6, 2010 - Today (6 May) Nature Reviews Neurology publishes an
international consensus on the future of stem cell transplantation research
for people with MS, paving the way for more co-ordinated global research
efforts and potentially better, and quicker, patient access to stem cell
clinical trials.

The guidelines, which have been written and approved by some
of the most well respected international MS researchers, as well as MS
Societies from around the world, spell out hope for the future of MS stem
cell research and debunk myths about overseas stem cell clinics claiming to
cure the condition.

Professor Gianvito Martino from the San Raffaele Scientific
Institute in Milan, Italy, and Professor Robin Franklin from the University
of Cambridge, UK, are lead authors for the guidelines, which:

    - outline the promise stem cell transplantation has shown in
      early stage clinical trials and ways they could be used to treat MS in
      the future

    - describe the different types of stem cells that might be
      used to treat different types of MS

    - detail methods of delivering these stem cell therapies into patients

    - highlight best practice in conducting clinical trials to
      evaluate the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies in MS

A stem cell public information booklet "Stem Cell Therapies in
MS" produced in partnership by MS Societies from the UK, USA, Italy, France
and Australia and the MS International Federation summarises the guidelines
for people affected by MS, and is available to download at
www.mssociety.org.uk/research/stem_cell_pib.html.

Researchers have agreed that stem cells are likely to have a
significant role to play in the treatment of MS, but also warn that
expectations should be realistic.

Professor Gianvito Martino said: "At this stage it is unreasonable to
claim that stem cells are a magic cure for MS. It is, however, likely that
they will one day play an important role in treating the condition."

Professor Robin Franklin added: "It is only by working
together will we get the answer as to whether stem cell transplants hold
promise in the treatment of MS. The guidelines will help the research
community get to that answer more quickly than we would by working in
isolation."

The guidelines are the result of an international stem cell consensus
meeting held in London in May 2009 organised by the MS Society in the UK and
USA, and supported by MS Society of Italy, France, Australia and the MS
International Federation.

Dr Jayne Spink, Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society in the
UK, said: "The MS Societies around the world are in a unique position to
facilitate co-ordination and collaboration regarding international stem cell
research. This should help the research to progress more quickly."

She added: "We have coordinated the production of these guidelines along
with the public information booklet to provide accurate information that
should help counteract the confusion caused by unscrupulous stem cell clinics
falsely marketing MS cures."

Following the meeting, the UK MS Society and the UK Stem Cell
Foundation agreed to collaborate on UK stem cell research in MS. GBP1 million
has been made available which is a much needed investment that will help
build on the discoveries to date and ultimately speed up the development of a
potential stem cell therapy for people with MS.

The full guidelines are available to read at
www.nature.com/nrneurol/journal/vaop/ncurrent/pdf/nrneurol.2010.35.pdf

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