The University of Pittsburgh and UPMC have hired a leading stem cell researcher to head a new program aimed at repairing liver damage without resorting to liver transplants.

Ira Fox, former associate dean for research at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, will head the new Center for Innovative Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, a joint program of Pitt's medical school, its McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Children's Hospital.

In Pittsburgh, Dr. Fox is hoping to use adult stem cells to devise treatments for liver disease and cancer, avoiding or delaying the need for organ transplants, a Pitt news release said.

An Omaha native, Dr. Fox received his medical degree from Columbia University, and trained as a transplant fellow at Pitt under transplant surgery pioneer Thomas Starzl.