Embryonic Stem Cell Trials Loom

By Robyn Riley  |  Herald Sun  |  Link to article
October 27, 2008

Former Melbourne scientist and world-renowned biologist Prof Alan Trounson will announce the world-first tests at the AusBiotech 2008 conference in Melbourne today.

Scientists are also preparing to do clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells to treat ailments including blindness and diabetes.

"We are on the front edge of a medical revolution," said Prof Trounson, who now heads the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine in San Francisco.

He said Victoria was playing a key role in the development of stem cell technologies.

"The world is incredibly optimistic about the use of stem cells, embryonic or other," he said.

"There will be treatments, there will be cures and Victoria has moved up to the front line."

Prof Trounson said the controversial therapy - because the cells come from discarded embryos -- was now ready to prove its potential.