Human Embryonic Stem Cell Trials to Begin as Obama Admin Appeals Federal Court Decision

Most people believe, based on media hype, that embryonic stem cell research is already working to help or cure patients with conditions like Parkinson’s.  The truth is that not a single human patient has even received, let alone been helped, by an embryonic stem cell.

Recently, the FDA granted permission to the Geron Corporation of California to begin human trials using embryonic stem cells for patients with blindness and spinal cord injuries.  Even proponents of embryonic stem cell research worry publicly about whether the tests are coming too soon. According to an article in the Washington Post, “the tests are worrying many proponents:   Some argue that the experiments are premature, others question whether they are ethical, and many fear that the trials risk disaster for the field if anything goes awry.”

The major obstacle causing the worry is that embryonic stem cells cause tumors when used in laboratory animals.    That is no small problem.

“There’s going to be a perception that if the cells do not perform well, the entire field will be illegitimate,” says Evan Snyder, director of the stem cell program at the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in San Diego in the Post article.

Unphased, the Obama Administration has, as expected, filed an appeal of the ruling by a federal judge who struck down the President’s Executive Order allowing federal taxpayer dollars to be used for embryonic stem cell research.  Congressional action may follow this fall.

Barbara Lyons