Stem Cell Technologies: The End of the Beginning
January 2008
Stem Cell Technologies: The End of the Beginning
Interview with Peter Mountford
Stem Cell Technologies: The End of the Beginning
In this exclusive interview, Fintan Walton talks to Peter Mountford, formerly CEO of Stem Cell Sciences, about the current state of stem cell technologies and their potential healthcare and research applications. The company is now at the ‘end of the beginning stage’, and has the capability to mass produce stem cells, with which it hopes to provide a range of products and services. The impact of emerging stem cell technologies on ethical concerns is discussed, as well as the likely commercialisation process of the technology. Peter also outlines the challenge in gaining funding for stem cell research, particularly from venture capital firms.
About Peter Mountford
Dr Mountford is now the Chief Technology Officer of Stem Cell Sciences, having stepped down as CEO in November 2007. A co-founder of the company, Dr Mountford was appointed CEO in 1999 and was instrumental in its development and globalisation. He has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Melbourne, and completed a post-doctoral research fellowship, sponsored by the Royal Society of London at the University of Edinburgh. Dr Mountford is a Director of all the companies within the Stem Cell Sciences Group, as well as of the private company Secure Sciences.
Stem Cell Sciences
Stem Cell Sciences (SCS) is an international research and development company specialising in the provision of stem cells and stem cell technologies for research and for the clinic. The company has been active since 1994, principally focused on technologies to grow, differentiate and purify embryonic and neural stem cells. The company has business and scientific operations in Edinburgh and Cambridge (UK), Melbourne (Australia), Kobe (Japan) and California (USA).
