Bermuda could be the site of a new stem cell research facility within three months.

An Internet website has exposed the link between the Island and Stemedica Cell Technologies, a California-based biotech company.

“Stemedica is a prominent Russian co(mpany) that will soon open clinics in ‘neutral’ countries like Bahamas, Bermuda, Caymans,” a commentator wrote on the Motley Fool Caps investment website in March this year.

Stemedica’s website states it researches adult stem cell technology rather than the embryonic version which has attracted opposition from church groups across the world because it involves the destruction of embryos.

Yesterday, Bishop of Bermuda Ewen Ratteray and Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Kurtz both welcomed the move — as long as Stemedica steers clear of embryonic stem cells.

Stemedica chief executive and vice chairman Dr. Maynard Howe said the company’s plans for Bermuda were still in the discovery phase.

“We are in the preliminary stages of discussions regarding opening a treatment centre in Bermuda,” he said. Plans will hopefully be finalised within three months, he added.

Stemedica, a private company which employs up to 100 people and records revenues of up to $10 million, was formed in 2004-2005.

Its team is largely spread between California and Eastern Europe.

The company’s website proclaims it is “dedicated to harnessing and commercialising adult stem cell technology and therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in an effort to save, restore and improve lives”.

In the US, President George Bush and other social conservatives have long opposed human embryonic stem cell research because the cells can be obtained only by destroying embryos.

However, adult stem cell research such as that conducted by Stemedica is less controversial.

Reacting yesterday, Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray — who stressed his views were personal and not on behalf of the Church — said: “If it involves the use of adult stem cells, that would be acceptable — as long as it’s being used in terms of not creating another being or anything like that, but in terms of dealing with illnesses like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

“We accept scientific research in other areas. Why not this? I’m a little uncertain about how they are doing it, but as long as it’s ethical, I think that’s acceptable. Let’s see what happens.”

The Catholic Church across the world has campaigned against embryonic stem cell research, but Bishop Kurtz said the Church was not against stem cell research full stop.

“I would certainly hope that using some form of legitimate research that you can find some cures for diseases,” he said.

In May, the California Supreme Court gave dramatic clearance to California’s landmark $3-billion stem cell research effort, declining to hear appeals from lower courts. The decision was especially controversial as the money is slated for embryonic stem cell research rather than adult stem cell research.

US federal government funding of such research is a top political issue in Washington, where Congress last week approved easing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research.

Some of the adult stem cell research that Stemedica hopes to conduct in Bermuda would revolve around treatment for bone regeneration, and for scar and burn tissue.

Stemedica also has facilities in other countries and cities around the world, including Moscow, Seoul, Paris, Mexico and Switzerland.

What are your views on stem cell research? Telephone Tim Smith on 278-8359 or e-mail tsmith@royalgazette.bm