India plans fund for stem cell research

Bangalore

India plans to set up a “stem cell priority fund” to support research using stem cells and find treatment for diabetes, heart and nerve diseases. ‘‘We have submitted a proposal of an exclusive fund for stem cell research. I think the government is keen to set up the stem cell priority fund,’’ announced D Balasubramanian, Chairman of the task force on stem cell research of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), at the Indo-UK stem cell workshop organised jointly by India and Britain.

The funding for stem cell research, which has only been by DBT, will be expanded to include Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other agencies. There are plans to include the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Balasubramanian, who also heads the L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, said last year, 30 per cent of the Rs 400 crore budget of the DBT was spent on research.

‘‘This year, the DBT budget has gone up to Rs 500 crore. We are looking at a substantial portion in the 30 per cent for stem cell allocated for research,’’ he said. About 15 labs in the country including L V Prasad Eye institute, CMC Vellore; National Centre fo Cell Sciences in Pune; National Centre for Biological

Sciences, NIMHANS, TIFR, Indian Institute of Science; AIIMS Delhi, Reliance Bio and Manipal Hospital, among others, are involved in stem cell research in India, officials said.

— PTI