Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC)

Objectives
The Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC) aims to establish a coordinated and focused translational research and development programme in stem cells. The SSCC seeks to catalyze the translation of basic stem cell research into clinically viable stem cell therapies for chronic debilitating diseases by building strong linkages between basic science and clinical research groups. It also has an interest in using stem cells to create models of mammalian development and disease states, as well as providing cellular assays for the identification of novel signaling molecules, pathways and the development of new drugs. In addition to support intramural stem cell research within BMRC's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB), it also coordinates the diverse stem cell research activities in Singapore by funding collaborative grant calls and developing key resources needed by the stem cell research community.

Research Areas & Activities

  1. Developing Platform Technologies: The SSCC aims to develop enabling platform technologies for eventual therapeutic use of stem cell research. Currently, its intramural programme supports research using embryonic and neural stem cells as well as IPS cells. Plans are in place to establish new groups focusing on epithelial, haemopoietic and/or mesenchymal stem cells.
  2. Stem Cell Bank: The Stem Cell Bank has been set up using SSCC intramural funds to enable Singapore's research community access to stem cell lines. The initial focus will be in characterising, growing, banking and distributing research grade versions of GMP-manufactured human embryonic stem cell lines.
  3. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Facility: Discussions are ongoing with a partner to establish a GMP cell therapy facility in Singapore for the use, amongst others, of academic researchers preparing for clinical trials.
  4. GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) Facility: SSCC intends to establish in-house capabilities for GLP cell production. Cells and/or cell products (e.g. media) produced in this facility will be an essential component of pivotal pre-clinical animal models.

Leadership
 
The SSCC is led by Executive Director, Dr Alan Colman.

 

 

 

 

For more information on the Singapore Stem Cell Consortium, please refer to http://www.sscc.a-star.edu.sg.

For information on Singapore's stem cell research activities, please refer to http://www.stemcell.edu.sg/.