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Contact: Sean Tipton, 202.421.5112 or Carol Blymire, 301.332.8090 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, January 8, 2007; 11 a.m. The following statement may be attributed to Sean Tipton, president, Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR): CAMR Offers Comment on Amniotic Stem Cell Findings "Dr. Anthony Atala at Wake Forest University recently discussed his work in drawing stem cells from amniotic fluid to produce human tissues. While CAMR supports all forms of regenerative research, we believe America needs a federal policy for embryonic stem cell research that will allow the best scientists to find better treatments and cures for the 100 million Americans suffer from cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders for which embryonic stem cell research holds great promise. "Policy decisions should be made not by reviewing just one study, but by considering the bulk of replicated work, such as has been done in the embryonic stem cell research field. Time and again, we see improper use of preliminary scientific findings being used and over-hyped for political purposes. We urge elected officials to be cautious and not rule out protections and funding for any form of stem cell research here in the United States in favor of another. "Dr. George Daley, a Harvard University stem cell researcher, has said of amniotic stem cells: 'While they are fascinating subjects of study in their own right, they are not a substitute for human embryonic stem cells, which allow scientists to address a host of other interesting questions in early human development.' "Nearly three-quarters of Americans across all political party lines and religious affiliations support embryonic stem cell research and want federal funding and oversight for this important research. We look forward to working with both chambers of Congress in the next few weeks to effect change in the federal policy in this arena." # # # The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is the nation's leading pro-cures coalition. CAMR is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, and foundations advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering for individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders. Please go to www.camradvocacy.org for more information. __________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn