Maltese researchers have uncovered an important mechanism that regulates gene switching from the foetal haemoglobin of a new-born to the adult's.

The long term goal of this research is to turn off the adult haemoglobin gene that is defective in thalassemia and replace it by turning on the functional foetal haemoglobin gene to bring about the genetic cure for the disease, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was told this morning.

The Prime Minister was touring the University of Malta's Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, which has received a €4 million ERDF grant for equipment, with which this research is being carried out.

Dr Gonzi praised the researchers for this ground breaking discovery and explained how this was part of a radical change in which the university was the protagonist.

The university, he said, now had a new dimension with advanced research not only to the benefit of students but also creating new opportunities for the country.

He said that in the near future, research and development in biotechnology would become a new important economic sector for the country.

The new life sciences park, being built close to university with a €30 million investment, would create opportunities for Maltese researchers and an opportunity for these to partner with foreign universities.

University rector Juanito Camilleri said that this research formed the basis of the university's research and development strategy, which is complementing that of the country.

He said that researchers were already being trained for the Life Sciences Park project and noted that investment in research was the basis for success in the future.