FROM: Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research
See the CAMR website for more articles on the announcement.
www.camradvocacy.org

For more information contact:
Julie Kimbrough, 212-585-3501

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Praises Korean
Scientists For New Embryonic Stem Cell Work
Study in Science Magazine Provides Hope to Millions Suffering from
Life-Threatening Diseases and Conditions

Washington, DC—February 12, 2004—The Coalition for the Advancement of
Medical Research (CAMR) praised a newly published study in Science
Magazine, which reports that Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT or
commonly called therapeutic cloning) can yield pluripotent human
embryonic stem cells. The paper, to be released today at the 2004 AAAS
Annual Meeting in Seattle, describes the development of embryonic stem
cells harvested from a human blastocyst produced by transferring the
nucleus of a cell into a nucleus-free egg from the same donor. The
research was conducted at Seoul National University in Korea. CAMR,
comprised of over 80 nationally recognized patient groups, universities,
and scientific societies, led the charge to support federal funding of
embryonic stem cell research and has led the efforts opposing a ban on
therapeutic cloning.
“The goal of this research is to cure patients using their own
tailor-made cells,” said Daniel Perry, President of CAMR. “While those
opposed to medical research may argue that this work could lead us closer
to human reproductive cloning, it’s just not the case. There is a clear,
bright line that divides reproductive cloning from somatic cell nuclear
transfer and that’s implantation. Without it, no new human life can be
created,” he added.

“We call on Congress to follow the common sense conclusion that most
Americans have reached—pass legislation that would prohibit reproductive
cloning, but allow and encourage this kind of very exciting scientific
research,” stressed Sean Tipton, Vice President of CAMR.

Scientists believe embryonic stem cells may hold vast potential in the
fight against deadly diseases. The cells, which can replicate themselves
indefinitely, may some day be used to grow new tissue that will become
the “missing link” needed to cure some of the world’s most debilitating
illnesses. SCNT is fundamentally different from human reproductive
cloning; it produces stem cells, not babies. SCNT aims to treat or cure
patients by creating tailor-made, genetically identical cells that their
bodies won’t reject. In other words, developing cures using a patient’s
own DNA.

“This is the first study to prove in humans what has already been
demonstrated in animal models—that somatic cell nuclear transfer can
successfully be used to generate embryonic stem cells. It’s a very
exciting advance,” noted Mr. Perry. “While this research is preliminary,
it does show what is possible and provides hope to millions suffering
from life-threatening diseases and conditions,” he added.

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), is
comprised of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities,
scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening
illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough
research and technologies in regenerative medicine - including stem cell
research and somatic cell nuclear transfer - in order to cure disease and
alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit the website:
www.camradvocacy.org.

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