The Role of PurStem

What is the role of PurStem?
While the potential of stem cells is widely recognised, and many researchers are looking at ways to use stem cells in therapy, there is as yet no standard way to generate or characterise adult stem cells. Each research group uses its own processes to establish adult stem cell populations, and applies its own criteria in deciding what a stem cell is, and thus how large a population of stem cells may be.

PurStem is working to develop common standards for isolating and culturing stem cells, in an effort to create a uniform population of stem cells across multiple laboratories. If plentiful supplies of consistent, well-characterised stem cells can be established, this will greatly facilitate researchers who need to replicate search results, as well as therapists who want to develop predictable, repeatable therapies for patients.

At this early stage of stem cell research, different research groups are using different populations of stem cells, from different donors, with often quite different characteristics. A more consistent and uniform approach is needed before reliable new therapies can be developed. PurStem lays part of the foundation for this, by establishing consistent stem cell lines across the research community.