2008 Forum Panel Members

Professor Frank Barry
Scientific Director,
The Regenerative Medicine institute (REMEDI),
NUI Galway

Professor Barry is a stem cell expert with a particular research interest in the therapeutic application of adult stem cells to develop treatments for human disease. REMEDI has established a major research initiative in the evaluation of stem cells for the treatment of OA. REMEDI hopes to begin the first human stem cell trials in Ireland in 2010, injecting the cells into patient’s knees.

Dr. Drew Burdon
Science Manager in Cartilage Repair,
Smith & Nephew, UK

Smith and Nephew is a global medical technology company who specialize in biological therapies for orthopaedic applications. Dr. Burdon has significant experience in cartilage biology and repair through his involvement with early stage and product-focused projects and represents Smith & Nephew on a variety of steering committees/industrial advisory boards in the areas of biologics and regenerative medicine.

Mr. William Curtin, MBBCh, BSc, FRCS
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon,
Galway University Hospital

Mr. Curtin’s major surgical interests are in surgery for hip and knee osteoarthritis, with special interests in joint degeneration, having studied ultrastructural aspects of osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration as part of his masters thesis and fellowship. Mr. Curtin also collaborates with regenerative medicine researchers in developing emerging treatment options for early joint disease.

Mr. Philip Gleeson,
National Board Member, Arthritis Ireland
Arthritis Patient

Philip Gleeson is a member of An Garda Siochana. A keen sportsman, he has battled early-onset Arthritis since the age of 32 and is now back working full time. Philip volunteers with Arthritis Ireland, is the Chairman of the Galway Branch and has been recently nominated to the national board. Despite having arthritis Philip has, with the help of medication and education, been able to return playing sports and is currently playing local badminton.