News
Thursday 11 September 2008
Groundbreaking new facility to offer lifeline to thousands
Health Secretary Alan Johnson today opened a ground breaking new facility that will offer a lifeline to thousands of patients with life threatening illnesses. The Anthony Nolan Trust Cord Blood Bank and combined research institute at Nottingham Trent University will store stem cells from the blood of new-born babies’ umbilical cords, for use in life-saving transplants and pioneering medical research.
The Anthony Nolan Trust’s highly successful Bone Marrow Register now has over 400,000 potential donors on its books. Since expanding into cord blood banking five years ago, the trust continues to contribute to successful work in renewing bone marrow and regenerating the immune systems of those with life-threatening illnesses, including leukaemia, sickle-cell diseases and immune deficiencies.
Nottingham Trent University has a long standing relationship with The Anthony Nolan Trust from which a number of highly successful projects have emerged. Researchers at the University will be key to the success and development of the Cord Blood Bank.
The facility at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus has been funded by a £1.4m donation from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and spearheads a campaign by The Anthony Nolan Trust to bank 50,000 donations by the year 2013. Of the donations received, 20,000 will be suitable for transplantation and 30,000 will be used for research.
Initially, all donations will be made from mothers delivering babies at Kings College Hospital in London. The number of hospitals at which donations will be taken is expected to rise to 10 over the next few years.
Professor Bob Rees, Director of Nottingham Trent University’s Van Geest Cancer Research Centre, and Professor of Tumour Biology said: “Over the past decade, our work with The Anthony Nolan Trust has led to discoveries of major importance within the scientific community. This new facility will provide a unique opportunity for our scientists to work with the charity on programmes that are central to the development of future medical needs.”
The event included a guided tour of the facility before the Health Secretary was invited by Nottingham Trent University’s Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Jones, and The Anthony Nolan Trust Chairman, Dr Steve McEwan, to unveil a plaque and officially open the Cord Blood Bank.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson, said: "The Anthony Nolan Trust is already acclaimed worldwide, and the impact of the events here today, will be felt globally. The complex will help provide a lifeline for thousands complementing the 12 years experience of the NHS Cord Blood Bank; and reinforce the UK's role as a research centre of excellence."
Bryan Jackson, Chairman of emda added: “The Cord Blood Bank will be an invaluable asset for those scientists who are undertaking ground breaking research into the use of stem cells to cure serious diseases and as a national Cord Blood Bank centre. Our region is establishing an international reputation for work in the field of healthcare and bioscience and the establishment of this facility further enhances that reputation.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
About The Anthony Nolan Trust
The Anthony Nolan Trust is a UK registered charity, founded in 1974, by Shirley Nolan. Her son Anthony suffered from a life threatening congenital disease for which, at that time, the only known cure was a bone marrow transplant. In the absence of a compatible donor for her son, Shirley focused on recruiting adult volunteers prepared to donate their bone marrow.
The Anthony Nolan Research Institute focuses on research to improve the outcome of stem cell transplants and the use of immune system modulation as a form of therapy.
About emda
emda is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development. Working in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations the aim is to deliver the 2006 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) 'A Flourishing Region', which sets out regional priorities until 2020. The RES, coordinated by emda, highlights the themes of productivity, sustainability and equality and builds on the previous two strategies; 'Prosperity Through People' and 'Destination 2010'. In early 2007 the National Audit Office announced emda had received the highest possible grade of 'performing strongly' in an independent assessment of our work - scoring 22 out of 24. For more details visit the emda website.
Press enquiries please contact: Matt Wallace, Press Officer, on tel +44 (0)115 848 8785, or via email or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email.
