The Singapore Stem Cell Consortium (SSCC) is an initiative of the A*STAR Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) with the aim of establishing a coordinated and focused translational research and development programme in stem cells. It comprises both intramural and extramural components. The SSCC seeks to catalyze the translation of basic stem cell research into clinically viable stem cell therapies for chronic, debilitating diseases, by building strong linkages between basic science and clinical research groups. It also has an interest in using stem cells to create models of mammalian development and disease states, as well as providing cellular assays for the identification of novel signaling molecules, pathways, and the development of new drugs. In addition to supporting intramural stem cell research within the A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology (IMB), it also coordinates the diverse stem cell research activities in Singapore by funding collaborative grant calls and developing key resources needed by the stem cell research community. The SSCC released one exclusive grant call in 2006, awarding a total of 10 collaborative grants to extramural institutions. In August 2007, it announced a joint grant call together with the Singapore Bioimaging Consortium. It is contributing to the funding of new stem cell-related grants under the new, May 2007 BMRC/NMRC joint grant call.

RESEARCH AREAS & ACTIVITIES
Developing Platform Technologies
The SSCC aims to develop enabling platform technologies for eventual therapeutic use of stem cell research. Currently its intramural programme supports research using embryonic and neural stem cells, as well as IPS cells. Plans are in place to establish new groups focusing on epithelial, haemopoietic and / or mesenchymal stem cells.

Stem Cell Bank
The Stem Cell Bank has been set up using SSCC intramural funds to enable Singapore's research community access to stem cell lines. The initial focus will be in characterising, growing, banking, and distributing research grade versions of GMP-manufactured human embryonic stem cell lines

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Facility
Discussions are on going with a partner to establish a GMP cell therapy facility in Singapore for the use, amongst others, of academic researchers preparing for clinical trials.

GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) Facility
It is the intention of the SSCC to establish an in house capability for GLP cell production. Cells and/or cell products (eg media) produced in this facility will be an essential component of pivotal pre-clinical animal models.