DKK 25 million bolsters research into stem cells

Associate Professor Bjarne Kuno Møller from Aarhus University receives DKK 25 million from the Innovation Fund Denmark to begin the production of stem cells and to carry out research into stem cells as a remedy against severe diseases.

Associate Professor Bjarne Kuno Møller is behind the research project for stem cell production, which will take place at The Centre for Genetic and Cellular Therapy in Forum at Aarhus University Hospital. Photo: Niels Åge Skovbo

Stem cells are the entire body's repair kit and therefore a strong weapon in the fight against diseases that are otherwise difficult to treat. Associate Professor Bjarne Kuno Møller from the Department of Clinical Medicine has received DKK 25 million from the Innovation Fund Denmark's Grand Solutions programme to conduct research into what are known as mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells are found in almost all parts of the body's tissue and have healing and immune suppressant properties. In a national and international collaboration, Bjarne Kuno Møller and the team behind the research project will study the effect of stem cells on everything from degenerative diseases, such as lower back pain and osteoarthritis, to inflammatory bowel diseases and the skin disease HS. Whether stem cells can prevent organs from being rejected after transplantation is also one of their areas of research.

The grant goes towards stem cell production and the necessary equipment, staffing and approvals that production requires. The stem cells will be utilised in clinical projects, both nationally and internationally.

Contact

Clinical Associate Professor Bjarne Kuno Møller
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Email: bjamoell@rm.dk