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International Society for Stem Cell Research Supports Bipartisan Letter Urging the President to Ease Current Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has joined many members of Congress and other research and patient advocacy groups in signing the bipartisan Castle/DeGette/Cunningham/Dooley letter to President Bush urging him to reconsider his restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. ISSCR agrees with the letter's authors that the current policy restricts embryonic stem cell research in America. Currently, only 19 embryonic stem cell lines are available to researchers under the federal policy. Given the differences in the cell lines, it is important to explore many lines for a particular therapeutic purpose. This small number of lines does not provide enough genetic diversity to aid the greatest number of people. ISSCR believes that a change must be made quickly to revitalize stem cell research in America and attract top scientists to the field. The current federal policy with its small number of embryonic stem cell lines and uncertain funding is causing problems for stem cell researchers and some work has moved overseas. Countries with more supportive policies (Australia, Sweden, Israel, the United Kingdom and others) have reported exciting advancements in embryonic stem cell research. ISSCR is fearful that the current policies will cause the Unites States to fall behind the rest of the world in this vital research field. Considering that human embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat and possibly cure deadly and disabling diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and many others, ISSCR believes that the current policies must change now. The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 2002 to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application. Go to the ISSCR Website ( http://www.isscr.org ) for the latest stem cell news. Contact ISSCR Media Relations Manager David Donegan at 847/509-1944 to schedule an interview with an ISSCR stem cell researcher. SOURCE International Society for Stem Cell Research Web Site: http://www.isscr.org SOURCE: PR Newswire http://tinyurl.com/3foo3 * * * International Society for Stem Cell Research Supports Bipartisan Letter Urging the President to Ease Current Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has joined many members of Congress and other research and patient advocacy groups in signing the bipartisan Castle/DeGette/Cunningham/Dooley letter to President Bush urging him to reconsider his restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. ISSCR agrees with the letter's authors that the current policy restricts embryonic stem cell research in America. Currently, only 19 embryonic stem cell lines are available to researchers under the federal policy. Given the differences in the cell lines, it is important to explore many lines for a particular therapeutic purpose. This small number of lines does not provide enough genetic diversity to aid the greatest number of people. ISSCR believes that a change must be made quickly to revitalize stem cell research in America and attract top scientists to the field. The current federal policy with its small number of embryonic stem cell lines and uncertain funding is causing problems for stem cell researchers and some work has moved overseas. Countries with more supportive policies (Australia, Sweden, Israel, the United Kingdom and others) have reported exciting advancements in embryonic stem cell research. ISSCR is fearful that the current policies will cause the Unites States to fall behind the rest of the world in this vital research field. Considering that human embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat and possibly cure deadly and disabling diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and many others, ISSCR believes that the current policies must change now. The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 2002 to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application. Go to the ISSCR Website ( http://www.isscr.org ) for the latest stem cell news. Contact ISSCR Media Relations Manager David Donegan at 847/509-1944 to schedule an interview with an ISSCR stem cell researcher. SOURCE International Society for Stem Cell Research Web Site: http://www.isscr.org SOURCE: PR Newswire http://tinyurl.com/3foo3 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn