South Korea - Korea certifies new stem cell research centre

South Korea's health watchdog said Tuesday it has certified a new stem cell research institute to help the country expand its knowhow in the cutting-edge scientific field.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the Stem Cell Research centre at Jeju National University has been authorised to conduct tests on somatic embryos.

Headed by bioengineering professor and renowned stem cell researcher Park Se-pill, the centre is the sixth institute to be given permission to carry out critical tests that could expand medical horizons and help fight incurable diseases.

At present, Seoul National University Hospital, Cha Hospital, Shin Woman's Hospital, Gangseo MizMedi Hospital and Sooam Bioengineering Research Institute are authorised to conduct stem cell tests.

The latest move comes as South Korea, which had been at the forefront of stem cell research, lost its status after research conducted by cloning expert Hwang Woo-suk was found to be based on falsified data.

Hwang, who had been a star scientist, was fired from Seoul National University and found guilty of violating the country's bioethics law and embezzling research funds.

The Jeju research centre, meanwhile, said that it plans to submit a research proposal outlining plans to conduct more detailed stem cell work to the health ministry.

Under South Korean law even institutes certified to conduct stem cell work need to be get additional clearance on embryonic cloning.

Foreign countries are all pouring money and manpower into so-called cell replacement therapy and South Korea needs to take similar steps, it pointed out.

Korea Herald

Business & Investment Opportunities

YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.