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Researchers in the US have published a 3-year interim report on the HALT-MS trial of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant for MS. While the interim results show that the majority of the 24 patients treated achieved remission from MS disease activity for up to three years, data so far also suggests that the treatment’s effects may not be sustained over time.

Scientists involved in basic stem cell research rarely get the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with colleagues involved in the development and delivery of cellular therapies. For the first time in the Australian stem cell field, the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research, the Australian New Zealand region of the International Society for Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells Australia held a joint conference, bringing together scientists from basic and clinical research, engineering and industry.

Long before there were stem cell journals, or stem cell institutes, or stem cell societies, Professor Metcalf was undertaking research on haematopoiesis that would influence generations of scientists in the field and will forever serve as a paradigm for our work.