Manipal Super Specialty Hospital (MSSH) has tied up with Stempeutics Research, a stem cell company for promoting stem cell therapy in Andhra Pradesh. Stempeutics Research Private Limited (SRPL) is a group company of Manipal Education and Medical Group. Backed by Rs 50 crore funding from MEMG, Stempeutics focuses on research, therapeutics and therapy in the field of regenerative medicine. Stempeutics has filed six patents in India and five international patents.
The global market for stem cell therapies is expected to be $20 billion by 2010 and is expected to grow rapidly. Stem cell-based products have already been released in the US. In India, the expected market for stem cell therapy is $540 million.
Initially, MSSH will conduct pilot studies for Parkinson’s diseases, spinal cord injury, critical limb ischemia and dilated cardio myopathy.
Stem cell research offers unprecedented opportunities for developing new medical therapies for debilitating diseases. Medical and scientific interest in stem cells is based on a desire to find a source of new, healthy tissue to treat diseased or injured human organs. It is known that some organs, such as the skin and the liver, are adept at regenerating themselves when damaged. Recent research suggests that stem cells are a key to these regenerative properties.
Regenerative medicine is a rapidly emerging area of biomedical research with enormous therapeutic potential, and this would be an ideal supplement for existing medical treatments.
Says BN Manohar, president, Stempeutics Research: “While the initial foray of Stempeutics is in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, Stempeutics is investing heavily on its R&D to bring out some innovative products (like tailor made progenitor cells) in the near future based on adult stem cells.
Research will be conducted on effective cell number, route of transplantation etc. Further research will be carried out to develop lineage specific cells or precursor cells for more effective therapy.
MSSH & Stempeutics are committed to delivering safe and effective stem cell therapies to patients. The partnership will focus on developing Vijayawada as the leading stem cell therapy hub. The partnership will also develop health tourism by attracting international patients. Initial treatment will be based on bone marrow derived (autologous – derived from the patient) human mesenchymal stem cells.
