South Korean scientist produced no patient-specific stem cells: university

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Disgraced scientist Hwang Woo-suk produced no patient-specific stem cells, despite claims in what was seen as a landmark 2005 research paper, Seoul National University said Thursday. Roe Jung-hye, the university's dean of research affairs, said an investigative panel found stem cells Hwang claimed to have established in the paper came from fertilized eggs at Seoul's Mizmedi Hospital, not patient-tailored stem cells.

"The panel couldn't find stem cells that match patients' DNA regarding the 2005 paper and it believes that Hwang's team didn't secure scientific data to prove that (stem cells) were made," Roe said.

She spoke as the panel released interim results of its investigation into the work of the disgraced scientist. The university said last Friday at least nine of the 11 stem cell lines documented in the article were fabricated and it was investigating the remaining two.

Last week, Hwang, who had been celebrated as a hero in South Korea for his purported breakthroughs, apologized for the fabrication and stepped down as professor at the university. He insists, however, his team has developed the technology to create patient-matched stem cells.

Scientists see the development of stem cells that match a patient's DNA as a huge leap toward treatments for incurable afflictions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

© The Canadian Press, 2005