A multi-million pound research centre in London hopes to develop lifesaving cures for chronic conditions such as diabetes and blood disorders.
The UCL Institute for Immunity and Transplantation was opened today at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead by the Duke of York. It is the first of its kind in the UK.
Scientists at the £47 million centre will conduct pioneering work to repair and replace damaged organs, as well as cure conditions such as spinal cord injuries and even types of blindness.
The hope is that thousands of organ donor patients will no longer need anti-rejection drugs. People with cancer and HIV will also benefit. The unit will focus on novel treatments using cells engineered in the lab and DNA therapy.
Professor Hans Stauss, director of the institute, said the goal was for it to be-come a global hub for immune-system related conditions: “This is the first step in a journey I hope will end in us being able to repair and replace damaged organs and cure lifelong conditions including blindness and spinal cord injuries.” A vaccine to fight off infections before transplant surgery is among the drugs on trial. Scientists are developing a treatment for diabetes in which lab-engineered cells discharge insulin “shots” into the bloodstream, ending the current lifelong cycle of care.
Christine Madden, 33, is taking part in clinical trials for chronic high blood pressure. She said: “Now I’m taking the actual medication being trialled I’ve improved hugely — on some days I forget I’ve even got the condition.”
Today’s opening marks the first phase of the project, with the second to be completed in 2017. The Institute is a partnership between University College London and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. The Royal Free Charity has been raising funds.
