The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) would soon come out with a roadmap for stem cell research and therapy, revealed Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former president of India during the inauguration of an international conference on stem cell and regenerative medicine at Indian School of Business here in Hyderabad.

Dr Kalam said the DBT and ICMR had been working together in promoting stem cell research in the country. “A roadmap is being evolved for stem cell research through three areas namely adult stem cells, umbilical cord stem cells and embryonic stem cells,” he said.

With the growing burden of incurable diseases increasing every passing day, the need for stem cell research has gained significance in the recent days. Though there has been intense research going on in this area a concrete roadmap has not been developed so far.

Expressing his happiness over the development of stem cell research roadmap, Dr Kalam said, “The experts group involved in the project promised me that they will submit the roadmap in a month’s time for development, production and clinical application of stem cells.”

Advocating a mission mode operation on stem cell research the former president said one should not make many small sub-critical efforts, but aim at a few focused diseases with full investment of financial and human resources.

Research and Development (R&D) in human stem cells are expected to revolutionize present day medical treatment options for hard-to-treat diseases such as type-I diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

Professor Stephen Minger, global head (R&D), GE Healthcare, UK, was honoured with the Federation of Asian Biotech Association award for his contribution to stem cell research.

Senior scientist Dr Seyed E Hasnain, Prof Ajit Rangnekar, dean of ISB, major industries minister Dr J Geeta Reddy and others spoke on the occasion.