Comment Re:Bush administration has been up to this for yea (Score 1) 746
The post above gives a mistaken impression.
The first work cited above refers to the use of adult stem cells to help cure heart disease. This work was not done with embryonic stem cells. There is no ethical objection that I know of to using adult stem cells. In fact, the Bush administration has argued in favor of research using adult stem cells. Further, they have channeled research funds toward researchers using adult stem cells and that has caused irritation amongst some other researchers. (I disagree with many things done by politicians of every stripe, but prefer to criticize with accuracy.)
The second work cited refers to the use of "mesenchymal stem cells". These stem cells can also be harvested from adults. These cells do not require the use of embryos. The work cited does involve genetic modification and that can be dangerous. Sadly, multiple individuals have died in experiments in the US and France that utilized genetically modified cells, hence great care must be taken in testing these therapies.
Research in adult stem cells is exciting and is progressing rapidly. These stem cells can be taken from individuals cultured and them reinjected and there is no danger of immune rejection. Cells taken from existing embryonic cell lines can cause rejection. Patients receiving these cells may be required to take immune-suppressive medicines for the remainder of their lives ( as kidney transplant patients do now.)
The FDA has stated that new adult stem cell procedures require approval before they can be used in humans. Approvals have always been required for new drugs. Stem cell therapy is new and unfortunately some types of stem cells may become cancerous when injected into humans. The FDA position according to a Detroit News article is "extensive animal experimentation and human dosage trials would be needed before Beaumont's procedure would be considered for FDA approval." (Beaumont is the heart researcher.)
I think that the FDA is afraid of another metaphorical "thalidomide". The FDA under any administration would, I suspect, be cautious. The FDA medical panels can and do take into account research done outside the US. Also, adult stem cell research can proceed through human dosage trials and continue forward. Let's all hope for great success!
The first work cited above refers to the use of adult stem cells to help cure heart disease. This work was not done with embryonic stem cells. There is no ethical objection that I know of to using adult stem cells. In fact, the Bush administration has argued in favor of research using adult stem cells. Further, they have channeled research funds toward researchers using adult stem cells and that has caused irritation amongst some other researchers. (I disagree with many things done by politicians of every stripe, but prefer to criticize with accuracy.)
The second work cited refers to the use of "mesenchymal stem cells". These stem cells can also be harvested from adults. These cells do not require the use of embryos. The work cited does involve genetic modification and that can be dangerous. Sadly, multiple individuals have died in experiments in the US and France that utilized genetically modified cells, hence great care must be taken in testing these therapies.
Research in adult stem cells is exciting and is progressing rapidly. These stem cells can be taken from individuals cultured and them reinjected and there is no danger of immune rejection. Cells taken from existing embryonic cell lines can cause rejection. Patients receiving these cells may be required to take immune-suppressive medicines for the remainder of their lives ( as kidney transplant patients do now.)
The FDA has stated that new adult stem cell procedures require approval before they can be used in humans. Approvals have always been required for new drugs. Stem cell therapy is new and unfortunately some types of stem cells may become cancerous when injected into humans. The FDA position according to a Detroit News article is "extensive animal experimentation and human dosage trials would be needed before Beaumont's procedure would be considered for FDA approval." (Beaumont is the heart researcher.)
I think that the FDA is afraid of another metaphorical "thalidomide". The FDA under any administration would, I suspect, be cautious. The FDA medical panels can and do take into account research done outside the US. Also, adult stem cell research can proceed through human dosage trials and continue forward. Let's all hope for great success!
