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FROM: Star-Ledger (New Jersey) December 2, 2004 Codey proposes three-state effort to study stem cells By Kitta MacPherson Star-Ledger Staff <<Hoping to compete with California's $3 billion investment in stem cell research, acting Gov. Richard Codey yesterday proposed involving New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware in a joint stem cell initiative. Codey made his remarks at a Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce seminar convened in Cherry Hill to promote a regional approach to boosting the economy. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who was appearing at the seminar with Codey and Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, immediately embraced Codey's suggestion, but said it would require repeal of a Pennsylvania law that bars state investment in the controversial stem cell procedures. "I can't match $3 billion from California," Codey told the 300 Philadelphia area business and government leaders assembled at the Hilton Cherry Hill for the seminar, referring to the state's recent successful ballot initiative. "If the three of us can come together and do something with stem cell research, I think we could be a powerhouse." Codey has long supported publicly funding research into the cells that act as blank slates, morphing into cells replenishing virtually any body part. The federal government has limited research to embryonic stem cells derived from lines developed before 2001, a stance many scientists believe has held back research. Abortion opponents object to stem cell research on the grounds that some stem cells would be harvested from human embryos that are then destroyed. Rendell seized on Codey's suggestion, saying, "We could get over the $1 billion level, and it's a great idea." Rendell called on the business leaders in the room to help him lobby the Pennsylvania Legislature next year to repeal a law that he said currently forbids state funds from being invested in stem cell research. "This has to change; it has to be repealed," he said. Minner did not comment on Codey's proposal. Scientists responded immediately. "I think cooperation between the states is good," said Ralph Brinster, a reproductive biologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, who has done breakthrough stem cell research. Last month, Brinster and a team of researchers reported that they had succeeded in growing special stem cells outside the bodies of mice that direct sperm production. The work is a first step in several directions, including treating infertility in men, making genetic engineering of humans possible and generating stem cells without using an embryo. Sherrie Preische, a physicist who is executive director of the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology, also applauded a joint stem cell research program. New Jersey is already cooperating with Pennsylvania, she said, in sponsoring the Biotechnology Industry Organization's annual meeting next June in Philadelphia. The event will draw thousands to the region, highlighting local research and companies, she said. "We are certainly working with Pennsylvania to highlight our life science industry and build this up," Preische said. "There's lots of stem cell research to be done. There's great research there and great research here." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn