Expanding Stem Cell Research

In order to fully explore the promise of embryonic stem cell research, JDRF supports an EXPANDED federal policy that allows federal funds to be used to study human embryonic stem cells derived from newly developed stem cell lines. This includes those created by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), which has had breakthrough results by Korean Scientists as outlined in the recent press (link to NYTimes articles ), and embryonic stem cells derived from excess in vitro fertilized eggs that would otherwise be discarded.

There are over 400,000 excess in vitro fertilized eggs that are frozen and will one dat be washed down the drain. Many couples who have completed their families would like to donate these eggs to research to help children with juvenile diabetes, but the federal government will not permit this. Instead these eggs will remain frozen until they reach their discard date and then they will be literally washed down the drain. The couple would like to donate these eggs to science, much like organ donors donated their organs. Researchers believe that embryonic stem cells could develop into an unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells capable of transplantation into individuals with diabetes.

On August 2001, President Bush announced that the Administration would allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, but only for stem cell lines derived from embryos destroyed by August 2001. According to the Administration, nearly 80 stem cell lines were eligible for funding. However, two years after the announcement, it became apparent to the National Institutes for Health and others in the science community, that there were only actually 11 stem cell lines available - - well short of the 80 thought to be available for research. The 11 stem cell lines are not genetically diverse enough for broad study across populations, and the cells were developed using mouse feeder lines, resulting in contamination of mouse proteins and viruses and thereby limiting their research potential and eliminating their potential for development of human therapies to cure diseases.

Two years ago, neither the Administration nor many researchers understood how critical access to more embryonic stem cell lines would be to develop this area of science.

JDRF STRONGLY supports an expanded federal embryonic stem cell research policy because it could be critical in understanding and curing juvenile diabetes.

For more information, please contact the Austin JDRF office at (512) 343-0663 or email us at info@jdrfaustin.org.