Date Created: 10 February 2012
US regenerative medicine company Advanced Cell Technologies (ACT) has confirmed Aberdeen Royal Infirmary as a site for a stem cell-based clinical trial to treat an eye disease.
ACT's decision to conduct its stem cell-based clinical trial in Aberdeen is further evidence that Scotland is being recognised as a world class location for translational-based clinical trials and clinical medicine, particularly in the field of stem cells.
ACT's trial will examine the use of special retinal cells to treat Stargardt's Macular Dystrophy - an eye disease that results in progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. ACT already has collaborative links with Roslin Cells and it is hoped that this recent announcement will lead to further activities by the company in Scotland.
Also, together with the other high profile stem cell clinical trial - ReNeuron's stroke trial in Glasgow, Scotland can claim to be an ideal base for international companies to develop, prepare and conduct European clinical trials in this exciting area.
Find out more about Scotland's world class stem cell sector