CAMR Hails Congressional Efforts to Expand Bush Administration Stem Cell Policy; Patients Speak Out in Support of Letter to Bush

4/28/2004

From: Julie Kimbrough of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, 212-585-3501 or juliekimbrough@earthlink.net

NEW YORK, April 28 -- In a strong show of bipartisanship, over 200 members of Congress have signed an open letter urging President Bush to revise current restrictions for public funding of embryonic stem cell research. On Capitol Hill today, medical research advocates praised Republican and Democratic Members of Congress who are calling for changes in federal stem cell policy first articulated by the President in his televised address to the nation in August 2001.

A letter bearing names of over 200 members of the House of Representatives was released by Reps. Michael Castle (R-DE), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-CA), and Calvin Dooley (D-CA), who led the signature gathering effort among their colleagues. The Congressional signers, spanning boundaries of party, ideology and geography, called for expanding federal support for research that disease advocates believe could save and enhance the lives of millions of Americans. The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), representing more than 80 different patient groups, scientific organizations and major universities, joined in calling for changes in current federal limitations on stem cell research. CAMR and its grassroots activists across the U.S. urged Congressional representatives in recent weeks to sign the letter. An effort among members of the U.S. Senate is expected to follow.

"After nearly three years, only 19 of the 78 promised stem cell lines, or colonies, are actually available to federally- funded researchers. The policy has not lived up to its expectations. It's time for it to be revised," said Daniel Perry, president of CAMR. "We applaud the legislators who have joined hands without regards to party, ideology or geography to stand up for patients and for the potential of future cures." Perry added.

There is also strong support among the U.S. public for expanding the federal limitations. A recent survey conducted for the Civil Society Institute shows that two out of every three voters in 18 key states support overriding the limitations on embryonic stem cell research.

Under the Administration's current rules, federal funds can only be used for research on embryonic stem cell cultures created prior to August 9, 2001, when the President announced his policy. In addition to the few cell lines available, those lines that qualify for federal funding are not genetically or racially diverse enough to meet research needs. Also, developing future therapies with the current stem cell lines may prove impossible since cell lines cultivated in the past were exposed to mouse "feeder" cells, and may not be acceptable under federal regulations on biological materials drawn from more than one species. Researchers are also hesitant to use these lines for patient therapies when newer, non-contaminated stem cell colonies are being developed beyond the reach of the Administration's policy by private organizations and in other countries.

"The U.S. is in danger of falling far behind other countries making real progress with embryonic stem cell research," warned Perry. "In light of recent scientific advances and this strong showing of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, we urge the President to reevaluate and expand current policy to make the most of scientific advances and potential therapies likely to come from stem cell research," he added.

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), is comprised of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer -- in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit the website: http://www.camradvocacy.org