PROFESSION

Stem cell research stalled by lack of growth

NIH official says more would be spent on culturing new lines if the agency received more grant applications.

By Andis Robeznieks, AMNews staff. Sept. 1, 2003.

An umbrella group that advocates for more scientific research into technologies such as stem cell research and therapeutic cloning marked the second anniversary of President Bush's stem cell research policy in August by issuing a statement declaring that the policy is hindering medical progress.

The policy allows federal funds to be used only on cell lines created before Aug. 9, 2001. The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, which represents more than 80 institutions and organizations, including the AMA, stated that the policy hinders research that might help 100 million Americans with cancer, diabetes, spinal injuries, Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Based in Washington, D.C., CAMR noted that only 11 of the 78 promised stem cell lines on the National Institutes of Health registry are available, and they may not be diverse enough to meet research needs.

"I think the most significant thing the president could do is to revisit his policy of Aug. 9, 2001, and expand the number of lines," said CAMR President Michael Manganiello. He added that U.S. scientists may get eclipsed by researchers in other countries who have access to more cells lines and more government support.

Manganiello said he expects stem cell research to become an election issue. He said that Sen. Joe Lieberman (D, Conn.) has promised, if elected, to rescind President Bush's stem cell policies on his first day in office.

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