SCIENTISTS in the region have founded a company to develop pioneering treatments for brain and nervous system disorders.

ReInnervate Limited is the latest in a line of research-based companies to "spin out" from Durham University.

Dr Stefan Przyborski, the scientist behind the company has already attracted more than £1m in research funds and he is now talking to investors about longer-term development plans for the commercial venture.

Recently, Dr Przyborski outlined his research, and its medical and commercial potential, to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Science Minister Lord Sainsbury during their visit to launch Strategy for Success, an initiative which aims to turn more of the North-East's research strengths into economic benefits.

The new biotechnology company concentrates on innovative stem cell research and development. Successful therapies developed by scientists can then be licensed to pharmaceutical companies for wider distribution.

Dr Przyborski said: "Stem cell technology is expected to impact dramatically on traditional medical procedures and pharmaceutical products."

ReInnervate will focus its research on disorders of the brain and nervous system, which are the most frequent health problems needing medical care in the Western world. More than 100m people suffer such problems.

Because nerve cells, or neurons, in a human brain cannot be regenerated, damage caused by disease or injury can have a devastating and irreversible effect.

The hope is that stem cell technology will one day allow scientists to "grow" new neurons to take the place of damaged tissue.

Dr Przyborski is a research scientist in the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Durham University.