MS Society and UKCSF team up for stem cell research

Stem cell research into multiple sclerosis (MS) has been hugely boosted following the announcement of a partnership between the UK's largest organisation supporting people affected by MS and the UK's only stem cell research-supporting charity.

The MS Society and the UK Stem Cell Foundation (UKSCF) formally celebrated the beginning of the new era of collaboration by broadcasting a call for research grant applications, with joint-funding up to £1 million going up for grabs.

Collaboration between the two is in direct response to the International Consensus Meeting, where a large number of international experts asserted that MS is a condition that could benefit from targeted and increased stem cell research investment.

Biomedical research manager at the MS Society Dr Doug Brown said the charity is "delighted" to confirm this partnership, noting how it is the first of its kind and fills him with excitement to get the first applications through for funding.

"Stem cells are showing real promise in MS, and the sooner we can take the science from the bench to the bedside, the sooner people with MS will get the answers they so desperately need."

In the UK, around 100,000 people are affected by multiple sclerosis.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.