Policy expands embryonic stem cell research

California law allows therapeutic cloning but disallows cloning technology for reproductive purposes.

By Andis Robeznieks, AMNews staff. Oct. 14, 2002.

Although leading researchers downplayed a new California law promoting embryonic stem cell research as merely symbolic, it was a bit of symbolism they appreciated nevertheless.

"We certainly appreciate the intent," said Thomas B. Okarma, MD, PhD, president of Geron Corp., a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif. "But it's not clear whether it will translate into funding, or programs, or real work."

While funding is still uncertain, the law does make clear that California is a place where human embryonic stem cell research is allowed and supported. The law follows the current federal policy of using stem cells from embryos created but no longer needed for reproductive purposes; it goes beyond federal policy by allowing use of embryos created from somatic cell nuclear transplantation -- also known as therapeutic cloning.

The law requires that individuals receiving fertility treatment be provided with information on donating unused embryos for research, and it outlaws the use of cloning technology for reproductive purposes.

Until more funding becomes available, researchers don't see any immediate impact on the practice of medicine; but they see the research paying huge dividends in years to come.

"It's not going to happen in the next five years," said Irving Weissman, MD, Stanford University professor of cancer biology. "There may be no short-term impact at all, but down the line I believe this research will lead to drug therapies and cell therapies we cannot even imagine." [...]