The Department of Biotechnology is planning to establish three Centres of Excellence for stem cell research to initiate focused and targeted programmes on human stem cell research. The research programmes would be structured to ensure the involvement of both basic researchers and clinicians. The DBT is in the process of identifying the research programmes and the sites for the purpose.

According to department sources, DBT has encouraged inter institutional city clusters programmes at Vellore and Pune by involving basic researchers, clinicians and industry. This includes sharing of information, exploration of collaboration and discussion on emerging policy issues etc. Similar city cluster programmes are also planned in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi.

The initiative on stem cell research is part of the overall strategy of DBT to concentrate on developing R&D in emerging areas. The department has been conducting brainstorming sessions on stem cells to identify priorities and to examine the possibilities to enhance research in this area in the country. The main features of strategy include promotion of stem cell research for therapeutic applications using adult and embryonic stem cells as well as other more readily available sources such as bone marrow, peripheral blood and umbilical cord blood cells.

Major initiatives have already been taken to develop stem cell research programmes for limbal, haematopoitic, neural, liver, cardiac, embryonic and human corneal stem cells and the stem cell preservation. Limbal stem cells are being used at LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad to repair cornea surface disorders caused by limbal stem cells deficiencies.

Under the programme supported at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, a technology has been established for collection, purification and haplo-identical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The studies conducted at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore showed that banana lectins have stem cell preservation activities. Long and short-term training programme have been initiated. National and International conferences on the various aspects of the subject are being periodically organized by DBT.