The annual World Stem Cell Summit was held in Detroit, USA in October 2010. The most comprehensive stem cell conference of the world aimed to promote stem cell research and its clinical application to develop therapies for debilitating conditions like Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries.
The summit also offered a good opportunity to exchange knowledge, make connections and bring closer the global stem cell community. 1200 attendees took part at the conference from 30 countries from medical, scientific, legal, policy making, business and non-profit sectors.
The 3-day program featured presentations in the field of science, business and society, which were followed by plenary and round table discussions with experts.
“The World Stem Cell Summit was a wonderful experience. I was greatly impressed by the organizer’s attempt to educate and harmonize the stem cell community worldwide. It gave me an excellent opportunity to strengthen relations with international counterparts and patient representatives. Also got to learn more about their ongoing projects, aspirations and concerns” — said Dr. Yihua An, MD, PhD., director of the Department of Stem Cell Transplantation at the General Hospital of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces.
“I met my international associates whose patients have received stem cell therapy for Cerebral Palsy in China. Now that a few years have passed since the transplant they have shown keen interest in stem cell treatment seeing the convincing follow-up results of their patients.”
Stem cell research in China is closer to bringing better treatment to children with Cerebral Palsy. Stem Cell therapy for CP was launched in 2004 at the General Hospital of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces. Since then 825 CP cases were treated. 74.5% of spastic, 79.5% of atonic, 78.3% of mixed type showed improvement mainly in physique, motor function and intelligence under the age of 5 years.
“We plan to further strengthen our scientific relationship and build up cooperative partnership with our international fellow scientists, that may result in more frequent mutual visits, knowledge exchange and closer work. We sincerely hope our unified efforts will move forward the stem cell science.”