Posted on August 16, 2006

University of Rochester Medical Center Receives $1 Million for Stem Cell Research

The University of Rochester Medical Center in New York has announced a $1 million gift from a local couple that will support its investigations of stem cell therapies.

The gift from area businessman Jack A. Erdle and his wife, Norma, does not specify what type of stem cell research it will support, but a university official said it would likely involve embryonic stem cells. Researchers at the medical center are studying the role of stem cells to treat diseases such as leukemia, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's.

"The gift...is not only generous," said center CEO Bradford C. Berk, "it is a vote of confidence in our research programs and in our belief in the potential of stem cells."