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NEW JERSEY: $3B Endowment Envisioned For Stem Cell Research March 13, 2004, 6:25 PM EST TRENTON, N.J. -- A state lawmaker has announced plans for a nonprofit foundation to raise $3 billion for stem cell research in the hopes of finding cures for ailments ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's disease. Assemblyman Neil Cohen said the idea has already generated responses from financial institutions, universities, medical researchers and the state's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. The Union County Democrat said the endowment would need about $250 million to get started. He said the plan will be discussed further at a "stem cell" summit this spring. Stem cells are produced in the first days of pregnancy and help create the human body. Scientists hope to someday direct stem cells to grow into replacement organs and tissues to treat disease. Cohen said the research endowment would provide critical assistance, in terms of pooling money and brain power. Gary Friedman, a transplant surgeon assisting Cohen in the endeavor, agreed. "You want to put together the most resources with the best research minds," Friedman, who heads the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Morristown Memorial Hospital, told The Star-Ledger of Newark. In January, Gov. James E. McGreevey signed legislation making New Jersey the second state to encourage stem cell research. McGreevey has proposed spending $6.5 million in state money for a stem cell research institute to be jointly managed by Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. In Massachusetts, Harvard University has announced plans for a multimillion dollar stem cell research center to be established with private funds. The Catholic Church and other groups have denounced embryonic stem cell research, arguing it destroys a human life. ___ Information from: The Newark Star Ledger, NJ SOURCE: The Associated Press / Newsday, NY http://tinyurl.com/2uo4e * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn