BANKING that benefits everyone?

The UK Stem Cell Bank in South Mimms is about to receive a deposit from Peter Braude‘s team at King’s College London: human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that are safe to use in medical applications. Best of all, researchers will be able to withdraw the cells for free.

The two new cell lines differ from all other known sources of hESCs because they have never been exposed to animal products, and so carry no risks of passing on animal diseases to patients.

“These are going in the bank for public benefit,” says Braude. His team has spent 10 years developing the “clinical grade” stem cells. “They’re in the public domain for national and international use.” Industry may have to pay for the cells, though.

“Something should go back into the public pocket,” Braude says.