The world first stem cell center opened here Wednesday to conduct research and store stem cell lines for possible treatment of incurable diseases.

Starting from November, the center will receive donations of somatic cells from patients of incurable diseases such as Parkinson's disease in preparation for the commercialization of stem-cell treatment, reported South Korean Yonhap News Agency.

South Korean renowned scientist Hwang Woo-seok of Seoul National University (SNU) heads the government-funded research center, named "the World Stem Cell Hub (WSCH)."

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun attended the opening ceremony of the WSCH, which was held at the Seoul National University Hospital in downtown Seoul.

Roh stressed the need for the country to expedite stem cell research activities, which he described as the "hope for people fighting incurable diseases."

"We will also take measures to advance the quality of medical services and grow the medical industry as a strategic industry so people can enjoy quality medical services," he was quoted by Yonhap as saying.

Roh also praised South Korean scientists for their achievements in stem cell research by saying that "South Korea has the highest level of technology in this field, and I believe the WSCH will open a new chapter in bioengineering by conducting joint research with foreign institutions and training manpower."

While Hwang Woo-seok, who announced in May this year the creation of tailored embryonic stem cells, expressed his hope a successful operation of the hub will help move research on stem cells a step further.

Yonhap also quoted Ahn Cu-rie, a member of Hwang's research team, as saying the hub will gather stem cells for research purposes.

"All kinds of stem cells including embryonic stem cells, adult stems cells and umbilical cords will be gathered in the new center, " Ahn said.

Hwang and his research team stunned the world last year by succeeding in cloning human stem cells, opening up the possibility of finding treatment for many incurable diseases.

Source: Xinhua