Singapore: In a continuing effort to expand its research into possible cures for neurological diseases gaining in prevalence, Rainbow Coral's biotech subsidiary, Rainbow Biosciences (RBCC), is looking to China for possible partners for stem cell research.

"Right now, all signs point to China as the obvious choice for both our company and our shareholders," said RBCC CEO Mr Patrick Brown. "The cheaper labor costs there, as well as a receptive market, make China a logical location to search for potential research partners that can utilize the bioassembler technology in a meaningful way.

Last month, RBCC announced that it was in talks to acquire a license to use a NASA-developed bioreactor to multiply adult stem cells for research. With RBCC closing in on an agreement with the cutting-edge device's license holders, Amarantus BioSciences, China has emerged as a logical location to set up shop conducting medical research using the powerful tool.

With a massive, growing population of senior citizens and a scientific community that is receptive to advanced stem cell research, China could be an ideal choice for RBCC's work. Seniors are at the highest risk for devastating neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and the country's number of senior citizens will hit 437 million by 2051.

"There is certainly no space-age technology like the bioassembler available in China today," Mr Brown.

RBCC plans to pursue a license to use the bioreactor for stem cell expansion in China and other markets around the world potentially in excess of $100 billion.