Stem Cell Research in the US
On 12 March 2010, it was exactly a year since President Obama has reversed the limits imposed on stem cell research by the Bush Administration for eight years. Since then, 43 lines of stem cells have been approved for research. Although the research had been curtailed, the US National Academy of Science had developed guidelines “for the responsible conduct of embryonic stem cell research.”
Now the administration is getting ready to submit the Stem Cell Research Advancement Act, which, in Congresswoman DeGette’s words, would “ensure a lasting ethical framework overseeing stem cell research at the National Institutes of Health.” (Via Patent Docs)
If enacted, it would subject stem cell research to specific laws, which can only be viewed as positive. Although stem cell research has the potential of helping millions of Americans, the end does not necessarily justify the means — if not circumscribed in some way, there is always the potential for abuse.
One stem cell research center (UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Care) is already opened and is one of a dozen planned for California by California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. It has assigned $50 million of its $3 billion in stem cell research money for early clinical development of potential therapies. UC Davis will eventually have over 200 scientists.
On 12 March, the Children Hospital Stem Cell Research Program unveiled its new website. “Designed as an engaging and accessible resource, the new site seeks to demystify the science, clear up misperceptions and illuminate the public about the power and value of different types of stem cells to create cost effective treatments and potential cures for a range of diseases — including Type I diabetes, Parkinson’s, leukemia and other blood cancers, Huntington’s, sickle cell anemia, neurological disorders, and more.” (via PR-Canada.net).
For some good background information on stem cells, have a look at the Health Articles Library article, Stem Cells: The science, the benefits, the debate, and the future.