Norwood Immunology signs stem cell pact

The research will focus on controlling the immune system to minimize rejection of stem cell therapies introduced into the body. This may enable the successful engraftment of stem cells to repair organs and tissues that are damaged as a result of disease processes.

The immune system will usually only accept cells that it recognizes as its own. Foreign cells and tissues are routinely rejected posing significant difficulties when a patient undergoes a transplant procedure. Immune rejection stands as one of the major hurdles facing stem cell researchers in developing potential clinical treatments.

The agreement signed between the three organizations proposes that the research will take place at the Monash immunology and stem cell laboratories at the University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne, with access to the Australian Stem Cell Centre’s (ASCC) specialized research facilities in the same building. The research will be funded jointly by the Australian Stem Cell Centre and Norwood Immunology and the intellectual property that results from the work will be jointly commercialized by the ASCC and Norwood Immunology.

Under the agreement, Norwood Immunology will provide the ASCC with access to its thymic and bone marrow regrowth technology. This provides a method of replenishing stem cells and potentially facilitates the engraftment and uptake of introduced stem cells into the body, improving their ability to repair damaged tissue and minimizing their likelihood of rejection.