21
Oct 2015
Stem cell factory to be created for diabetes patients
An experimental therapy programme is being set up to help patients at risk of developing diabetes-related kidney problems.
The programme, which is being run by NHS Blood and Transplant, will involve injecting patients with stromal cells in order to slow down or halt tissue damage, thereby removing the necessity for transplants or dialysis. The cells will be grown from donated human bone marrow.
48 patients are taking part in the study. Some of the patients will receive the injection of stromal cells, at varying doses, and the remainder of the patients will receive a dummy injection.
End stage kidney disease is currently killing around 40,000 people a year in the UK, diabetes being the most common cause of this condition, and stromal cells are able to release proteins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys.
Around three in four diabetes patients go on to develop kidney disease, which is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply the kidneys. The condition can be delayed or prevented by controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Professor Timothy O’Brien, who is leading the project, said “Diabetic kidney disease is very common, so any therapy that could slow down the progression of this disease would have a significant impact.”
Dr Eric Austin of NHS Blood and Transplant, said “This is an exciting project for us to be involved with – especially as the treatment has the potential to lead to lifesaving outcomes for a major illness.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in Medical negligence compensation claims, and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/Medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our Medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 028 2969
- Like this ? Share with friends