The sixth batch of the web-based training programme in regenerative medicine (TPRM) conducted by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) at the facilities of the Niche-in Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) in Chennai will commence on September 19 this year, sources from the institute informed Pharmabiz.

Regenerative medicine is an evolving branch of medicine which has great hopes to provide solutions to incurable diseases using stem cells and progenitor cells. Though there are great hopes, the steps we should take should be careful enough following all scientific, ethical and clinical parameters based on evidence for safety and efficacy. This, being a unique branch of medicine with constant need for upgrading and interaction with basic sciences and translational studies, the TPRM provides a platform for basic scientists and clinicians through web-based training, said Dr Samuel JK Abraham, director, NCRM.

He said lectures are transmitted via webcast from the University of Toronto campus to the learners sitting at the NCRM in Chennai. The programme has a series of 31 lectures covering primary organ failures, sources of cells for probable treatment, steps to ensure safety, requirement of ethical guidelines, translational studies and future prospects in clinical application and further research. Those who want to enrol for the programme can register until July 30. Students of medical sciences, scholars of PhD and teaching staff of biology, biotechnology, medicine, veterinary sciences, and dentistry are the targeted learners.

According to him this partnership began in 2008 and NCRM is the first in the country to offer an international level comprehensive training in regenerative medicine. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Dr Abraham and Dr Gary Levy, director, University of Toronto Transplant Institute in this regard. On successful completion of the programme, the participants will get certificates from the TPRM.

The purpose of this initiative is to encourage a trans-disciplinary, integrative approach to health research through the training of a new generation of researchers capable of combining various approaches in devising innovative solutions for the research and treatment of complex medical problems. The vision of the TPRM is to develop and implement an educational curriculum in the innovative science of regenerative medicine, which will provide research trainees with knowledge and skills to compete globally in both academia and industry.

NCRM is an Indo-Japanese joint venture institute and probably the first one of this kind in India and has been chosen to be a partner to TPRM, based on their academic and research credentials.