Professor Patricia Murray, Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine in the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 HealthSense award.
The accolade recognizes significant contributions to scientific integrity and tireless efforts in exposing research misconduct in the field of regenerative medicine.
Professor Murray, who is also the Deputy Director for year 1 of the medical degree with the School of Medicine, has focused her research on the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of cell-based regenerative therapies, particularly in the context of renal disease. Her work has been instrumental in developing non-invasive imaging techniques to monitor the behaviour of administered cells and their impact on organ function. Beyond her research, Professor Murray has been a vocal critic of the misuse of regenerative therapies, advocating for stricter regulations to protect patients.
The HealthSense award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to upholding scientific standards and safeguarding public health. Previous awardees have been lauded for their dedication to exposing unethical practices and ensuring patient safety. Professor Murray expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am truly honoured to have been selected for the HealthSense 2024 award. Many of the previous awardees are people I have enormous respect for due to their persistence in exposing cases of patient harm and exploitation, so I am really humbled to be receiving the award myself."
Professor Murray and colleagues have recently published a critical examination of commercial stem cell clinics in the UK, in the journal Prometheus. The paper highlights significant concerns regarding these clinics, which offer therapies with unproven efficacy, often marketed with misleading information and at exorbitant prices. The study calls for better regulation and education for healthcare professionals to prevent financial, physical, and psychological harm to patients. Stated in the abstract, Professor Murray says "Most of the so-called stem cell therapies are currently exempt from regulations. This needs to be addressed urgently to stop patients from being subjected to financial, physical, or psychological harm".
In addition to her academic work, Professor Murray has been actively involved in various investigative and legal proceedings. She recently assisted a British Medical Journal (BMJ) journalist in investigating cord blood banks in the UK and was pivotal in halting a dangerous clinical trial by the company Celixir, following a four-year investigation by the MHRA. This case is set to be detailed in an upcoming issue of Private Eye.
Professor Murray also served as an expert witness in the trial of trachea transplant surgeon Paolo Macchiarini, who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for patient abuse.
As Professor Murray continues her work, the HealthSense 2024 award stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to scientific integrity and patient safety. Her research and advocacy efforts are not only shaping the future of regenerative medicine but also ensuring that ethical standards remain at the forefront of medical advancements.