Expert institute to battle cancer
Updated on 26 November 2007
A pioneering new institute that will see hundreds of health experts join forces to fight cancer and other illnesses has been set up.
The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) opens in Edinburgh, heralding a "new dawn of discovery for human health", according to its founders.
The centre will pool the resources of more than 500 experts in every area of human biology to come up with fresh approaches to common diseases.
A £150 million research package has already been lined up, with work on cancer starting as a priority.
One major area of research to be looked at is the development of non-toxic cancer treatments that could prevent tumours spreading around the body.
Doctors hope this could help people live with cancer as a chronic but manageable condition in a similar way to diabetes.
The IGMM has been formed in partnership by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the University of Edinburgh and Cancer Research UK.
Its £150 million research package will take it forward for the next five years.
Director Professor Nick Hastie, from the Human Genetics Unit of the MRC, said: "Research into targeted protracted treatment of cancer is a perfect example of what can happen when scientists join forces."
Directors hope the institute will be able to compete for the biggest international health grants.
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