Confusion still Reigns for Stem Cell Research
This continuing legal roller coaster reduces scientific research and the potentials of stem cell research for world-wide healthcare. Multiple court appearances by pro-life advocates and the DOJ have just hyped the issues which will probably ended-up in the Supreme Court docket.
More than any other field of science, the study of embryonic stem cells has been subject to ethical objections and shaped by political opinion.
- The lawsuit and a conservative shift in Congress could leave the research more restrictive;
- At stake are not just jobs, grants from the NIH but, more specifically the growth of the Biotech industry and world-wide scientific standing;
- Many of the nation’s leading stem cell researchers do not know whether grants will continue beyond the temporary injunctions or whether new projects will and if ever be considered by the NIH;
- There is a compelling scientific rationale for scientific research but, most agree that the legal basis for federal financing is weak.
Embryonic stem cell scientists now must seek alternative financing from private foundations, universities and states. However, VCs won’t touch the field that has a future legal question re viability:
- The near term elections will definetely set the future of further legal filings or out-right legislation to change the Dickey-Wicker amendment and hopefully continue The US’s standing in scientific research;
- The key will be the role of BIG Pharma in validating the on-going trials by their investment and using this research to validate drug candidates;
- The question also arises how members of the Supreme Court might vote on the case as well as the midterm Congressional elections since many believe that new legislation will be required for their work to continue.
Categories: Stem Cell Technology
