Had  computer problems..so am resending.
As a strong supporter for the NIH Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, I
feel I must speak out, as I have some real concerns.
One of these concerns is  the lack of basic facts regarding the NIH
guidelines./Keep in mind that human pluripotent cells are a unique
scientific and medical resource in that they can divide for indefinite
periods in culture and can develop into most of the specialized cells
and tissues of the body,such as muscle. nerve,heart and blood cells.
In an effort to help ensure that any research utilizing human
pluripotent stem cells is appropriately and carefully conducted,the NIH
convened a Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the
Director(ACD).NIH to advise the ACD on guidelines and oversight for
research involving human pluripotent stem cells.The working group was
composed of scientists,patients,patient advocates,ethicists,clincians
and lawyers.
In developing the draft guidelines,NIH considered advice from the
National Bioethics Advisory Commission(NBAC),the public and Congress.
The guidelines apply to research applications or proposals for NIH
funding or support that involve the utilization of human pluripotent
stem cells derived(without NIH funding) from early hiuman embryos and
the derivation or utilization of human pluripotent sten cells derived
from human fetal tissue.HHS will fund research using  human pluripotent
stem cells derived from early human embryos only if investigators use
cells derived from frozen embryuos that were created for the purposes of
infertility treatment and were in excess of clinical need.In
addition,there can be no offer of inducements,monetary or otherwise for
the donations of the embryo and there must be a clear separation between
the infertility treatment and the decision to donate embryos.
With regard to deriving or using cells from fetal tissue,investigators
will be expected to follow the NIH Human Pluripotent Stem Cell
Guidelines and all laws and regulations governing human fetal tissue
research.Because cells derived from fetal tissue may later be utilized
in human fetal tissue transplantation research,NIH will fund this
research only if investigators comply with the fetal tissue
transplantation research statue.The guidelines specify what should be
contained in the informed consent document for the donation of human
embryos or human fetal tissue.In submittiting an application or proposal
for funding investigators will be required to provide documentation
showing compliance with the guidelines.This documentation will be
submitted to a newly established Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Review
Group(PSCRG).The review group will hold public meetings when a funding
request proposes the use of a newly derived line of human pluripotent
stem cells. The HPSCRG will also compile  yearly titles of all awarded
applications.
The guidelines also address the other areas of research that are
ineligible for funding,including studies in which human pluripotent stem
cells are utilized to create or contribute to a human embryo:combined
with an animal embryo:used for reproductive cloning of a human:derived
using somatic cell nuclear transfer into a human or animal egg; or
derived from human embryos created for research purposes.
Thes guidelines  could potentially impact the research for therapies or
cure not only for PD but for other disease as well!!Needless to say this
would be fantastic--a change of quality for many lives.
It's important to be informed and focused.We have never done so
well.There is more awareness of PD and the funding of the NIH Budget the
highest.
My next concern is that this is an election year.There is a lot of
rhetoric and attempts to influence people.It's important to be
discerning and stick to the facts and not be fooled.Too much is at
stake---a lot of hard work has brouught us this far.Let's not blow it.
My last concern is personal.Fortunately, I'm at the beginning stage of
Parkinsons, but my older brother,who died 6 years ago, also had PD. I'm
acutely aware of the devastation that PD can cause. I"m concerned  also
for those  whose time is running out and those young people with PD who
have had their hopes and dreams shattered by PD.
This is important, so I fervently hope you,your friends and relatives
will join me in supporting the NIH Guidelines for Stem Cell Research.
The deadline is Feb.22.  The time to be heard is now!!!

Mail:Stem Cell Guidelines
       NIH Offfice of Science Policy
       1 Center Drive
       Bl;dg. Room 218
       Bethesda,Md. 20892

Fax:Stem Cell Guidelines   301-402-0280
E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Lorraine Jeffe

For verification e-mail me off line