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Dittman: Restrictions would make it difficult for Texas to stay competitive in embryonic stem cell research Dr. Ralph Dittman, SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Thursday, April 16, 2009 As a member of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), the primary international organization of scientists, ethicists, and clinical researchers in the field of stem cell biology, I urge the members of the Texas Legislature, in the strongest possible terms, to reject the rider to the SB 1 budget bill that would ban funding for human embryonic stem cell research, and the even broader ban on conducting any human embryonic stem cell research in any academic institution in Texas that would follow in SB 1695. ISSCR takes the firm position that research on human stem cells of all types must, within ethical guidelines, be vigorously pursued. Cutting edge research continues to demonstrate the great potential of and need for research with both adult stem cells, already used successfully to treat blood and bone diseases, and embryonic stem cells, the "gold standard" of pluripotent stem cells. The first human embryonic stem cell trial recently gained FDA approval to treat spinal cord injury, and several other trial approvals are expected within the next one to two years. A recent advance in stem cell research is the reprogramming of human somatic cells to resemble human embryonic stem (hES) cells, called induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells. These cells have captured the imagination of the scientific community worldwide, and created widespread optimism about the future of this research. Unfortunately, some in political circles have interpreted this enthusiasm as a verdict that research on hES cells is no longer necessary. This conclusion is premature and is not scientifically justified. While it is recognized that iPS cells open up exciting new areas of stem cell research, the technology is at a very early stage of development and fundamental questions remain unanswered. It is important to understand that without embryonic stem cells with which to compare these new cell lines, there is no way of assessing whether iPS cells, like their embryonic cousins, can develop into any cell type of the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on all types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, iPS cells, and adult stem cells. We must use all the weapons at our disposal in our fight against disease. I am told that the leadership of the ISSCR has received calls from concerned Texas scientists expressing their intention to leave the State if it becomes inhospitable to vital areas of stem cell research. Texas has some of the largest and most progressive medical institutions in the world, and is an international leader in cancer research and care. It will be difficult for Texas to remain at the forefront if restrictions are placed on human embryonic stem cell research, which promises to teach us important lessons about disease development, cancer stem cells and malignant transformation. At a time when the federal door is finally opening to researchers, we can't afford to shut the state door. Too much is at stake in this battle against disease for our lawmakers to pass legislation that bans embryonic stem cell research, or the funding for it. Amazing progress has been made in the last decade-a very short time in basic biomedical research terms. Laboratories across the world are creating beating heart cells, insulin-producing cells, cells that may some day cure Parkinson's, M.S. and cancer. Embryonic stem cells are allowing researchers to study the development of Alzheimer's, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and many other degenerative diseases. Within the ethical guidelines, such as those developed by the National Academies of Science, and using embryos that will only otherwise be discarded, we must push science forward, not barricade it behind statutory walls. To do any less would be a disservice to our scientists and to the patients whose lives are burdened and ultimately stolen by disease. Dittman is a visiting professor at Baylor College of Medicine and president of a stem cell company. Buzz up! Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn