A stem cell research centre is to open in Bermuda later this year after Premier Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda teamed up with American company Stemedica Cell Technologies.

Dr. Brown – the president of Bermuda Healthcare Services – told a press conference today that the announcement was one of the most exciting developments in healthcare on the Island in recent times.

It could ultimately lead to scores of patients a year flying to Bermuda to receive revolutionary treatment that could help cure illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries.

The company stresses it will use adult stem cells technology, and will not involve the destruction of embryos which has attracted opposition from church groups across the world.

The clinic, named Brown-Darrell after the Premier's parents, will be on the site of the former Winterhaven property in Smith's, which is owned by Dr. Brown and is currently undergoing refurbishment.

It will initially be staffed by at least three Bermuda Healthcare physicians and two Stemedica physicians. To begin with it will focus solely on research, but eventually hopes to be able to treat one or two stem cell patients a week.

Dr. Maynard Howe, CEO of California-based Stemedica, said Bermuda was chosen because of its location near to the US and its surroundings which would provide an ideal environment for patients to recover.

“We are thrilled to have made the connection and are looking forward to a very successful partnership,” said Dr. Howe.

For the full story, see tomorrow's Royal Gazette