industry & reseArch
campusreview.com.au
We have the remedy
Stem cell medicine has many
obstacles in its path to cures
and commercial viability but
Australia has the ability to
clear the way with the right
support and structure.
Richard Harvey interviewed by James Wells
A
ustralia is poised to be a world leader in stem cell science
but universities must champion the cause for this to
become reality, an expert argues.
A recent report from the Australian Academy of Science, The
Stem Cell Revolution: Lessons and imperatives for Australia,
advocated for – among other initiatives – a government-funded
centre for clinical translation of stem cell research.
Professor Richard Harvey, co-chair of the report’s steering
committee and head of stem cell research at the Victor Chang
Cardiac Research Group, explains that while it’s a “grand gesture” to
demand this centre, it’s necessary. Otherwise,
stem cell medicine could become stuck in commercialisation
limbo. Universities need to lobby for this centre, he argues.
“It would be great in Australia to have the universities stand up
and commit to building centres of excellence on campus, affiliated
with hospitals, where we can champion regeneration biology, stem
cell biology, in all its dimensions,” Harvey tells Campus Review.
“That’s a big ask, but that’s what we need in Australia because
16
that’s what other people have got overseas and that’s what we’re
competing against.”
At the same time, stem cell scientists must prevent their own
reputations – and the field as a whole – from falling into disrepute
due to dodgy operators. Experts recently warned of legal loopholes
allowing ‘snake oil’ stem cell peddlers to thrive. The report stated that
60 Australian companies are selling unproven stem cell remedies.
It warned “stem cell tourism” is thriving in Australia and called for
regulations to be tightened.
With much at stake for the research sector, Harvey discusses how
best Australia can leverage the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls
of stem cell research.
CR: What role must Australian universities play if Australia is to be a
world leader in stem cell research?
RH: I think the first thing to say is that Australia has a strong legacy
in stem cell research and its translation into application. Many
developments pivotal to this field have been made in Australia, [This
country has] participated [actively], for example, in bone marrow
transplantation and human embryonic stem cell science – in vitro
fertilisation is arguably a stem cell technology. There’s no reason
we can’t stay at the forefront of this important area of science, as
long as it’s well supported.
Universities play an important role, particularly in putting
together hubs. [That’s where] research can innovate in basic
science and translational science, as well as in allied areas, such as
commercialisation, intellectual property, protection and moving
innovation through to application and clinical trials.