Stem Cell Breakthrough

MEDIA RELEASE

19 March 2009

Sydney IVF Stem Cell Breakthrough Gives New Hope To FSHD Cure

Sydney, Australia - Researchers at Sydney IVF and the Australian-based FSHD Global Research Foundation have scored a global break-through, producing the first stem cell line specific to a common form of muscular dystrophy.

Facio-scapulo-humeral Dystrophy - or FSHD - is the third-most common form of muscular dystrophy, a family of hereditary muscle-wasting diseases that affect about one-in-a-thousand Australians.

Using PGD (pre-genetic diagnosis) and stem cell derivation technology, Sydney IVF researchers have produced the world's first FSHD-specific stem cell line.

"This local breakthrough opens the way for drug development that may alleviate, treat or finally prevent the condition," said Dr Tomas Stojanov, Sydney IVF, Director of Research and Development.  

"There's no doubt that creation of this first stem cell line is a major breakthrough."

The discovery comes from research funded by the FSHD Global Research Foundation, an organisation set up by former Macquarie Bank Executive Director Bill Moss AM, who has FSHD.

Sydney IVF scientists used a discarded FSHD-affected embryo which had been donated by an Australian family for the derivation of FSHD specific embryonic stem cells to enhance research into the condition.

"I am delighted to see that Australian-based science has delivered some much needed and deserved good news to people around the world grappling with FSHD," said Bill Moss AM. 

"While this is not a cure or a treatment in itself - it should accelerate the process towards finding a cure or treatment for this terrible disease.

"This year, the Australian Government's National Health and Medical Research Council confirmed that it is not funding research into FSHD.  The FSHD Global Research Foundation believes that a cure or treatment can be found for FSHD and is funding like minded scientists and research institutions around the world.

"The Sydney IVF breakthrough is an important milestone in our journey towards ultimately finding a cure," concluded Bill Moss AM. 

Dr Stojanov said opening the stem cell pathway means researchers can target specific treatment by testing potential drugs on the cellular FSHD model system rather than on people with the condition.

"Previously, that was the only relevant human model one could use to progress towards finding a cure," said Dr Stojanov.

The FSHD Global Research Foundation is currently funding six international FSHD research projects including one at Monash University and one at Sydney IVF.

Media: Contact Michael Zahn, FSHD Global Research Foundation, +61 407922918 or media@fshdglobal.org