Federal funding for embryonic stem cell studies gets a boost

With federal dollars still unavailable, states try to move research forward with their own money.

By Joel B. Finkelstein, AMNews correspondent. Aug. 22/29, 2005.

Washington --The fate of federal legislation that ultimately would expand the number of embryonic stem cell lines qualifying for federally funded research grants remains unclear, but a recent floor statement by Senate majority leader Bill Frist, MD (R, Tenn.), gave supporters new hope that a bill can pass Congress this year.

On the last day before lawmakers left for an August recess, Dr. Frist, said that, despite some reservations, he would support a House-passed bill that would overturn an August 2001 executive policy that effectively limits federal funding to research on 22 approved lines of embryonic stem cells. He also said he would hold a vote during the current session.

"While human embryonic stem cell research is still at a very early stage, the limitations put in place in 2001 will, over time, slow our ability to bring potential new treatments for certain diseases. Therefore, I believe the president's policy should be modified," Dr. Frist said.

He said the federal government should fund more stem cell research, including the study of adult and embryonic stem cells and of new ways to derive the cells without destroying the blastocyst.

The speech drew praise from the measure's supporters, including Sen. Arlen Specter (R, Pa.), who considered adding the bill's language to the Health, Education, Labor and Pension appropriations to ensure a Senate vote.

The measure is expected to pass the Senate. But just passing the bill won't be enough to guarantee that federal funds would be available for embryonic stem cell research.