Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Praises Korean Scientists for Embryonic Stem Cell Work; Study Offers Hope to Millions 2/12/2004
From: Julie Kimbrough of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, 212-585-3501 WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) praised a newly published study in Science Magazine, which reports that Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT or commonly called therapeutic cloning) can yield pluripotent human embryonic stem cells. The paper, to be released today at the 2004 AAAS Annual Meeting in Seattle, describes the development of embryonic stem cells harvested from a human blastocyst produced by transferring the nucleus of a cell into a nucleus-free egg from the same donor. The research was conducted at Seoul National University in Korea. CAMR, comprised of over 80 nationally recognized patient groups, universities, and scientific societies, led the charge to support federal funding of embryonic stem cell research and has led the efforts opposing a ban on therapeutic cloning. "The goal of this research is to cure patients using their own tailor-made cells," said Daniel Perry, president of CAMR. "While those opposed to medical research may argue that this work could lead us closer to human reproductive cloning, it's just not the case. There is a clear, bright line that divides reproductive cloning from somatic cell nuclear transfer and that's implantation. Without it, no new human life can be created," he added. "We call on Congress to follow the common sense conclusion that most Americans have reached-pass legislation that would prohibit reproductive cloning, but allow and encourage this kind of very exciting scientific research," stressed Sean Tipton, vice president of CAMR. Scientists believe embryonic stem cells may hold vast potential in the fight against deadly diseases. The cells, which can replicate themselves indefinitely, may some day be used to grow new tissue that will become the "missing link" needed to cure some of the world's most debilitating illnesses. SCNT is fundamentally different from human reproductive cloning; it produces stem cells, not babies. SCNT aims to treat or cure patients by creating tailor-made, genetically identical cells that their bodies won't reject. In other words, developing cures using a patient's own DNA. "This is the first study to prove in humans what has already been demonstrated in animal models -- that somatic cell nuclear transfer can successfully be used to generate embryonic stem cells. It's a very exciting advance," noted Perry. "While this research is preliminary, it does show what is possible and provides hope to millions suffering from life-threatening diseases and conditions," 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 |