Funding for research using adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells will continue. Funding will not be allowed for stem cells obtained from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, also known as cloning, in vitro fertilization embryos created specifically for research purposes and parthenogenesis, the development of an unfertilized egg.
In March 2009, the federal government asked the National Institutes of Health to draft guidelines that would address both scientific and ethical concerns.
“We considered the range of ethical issues and we believe this policy will allow substantial research that is ethically responsible and scientifically worthy,” said Raynard Kington, the institutes’ acting director. “We believe this is our best judgment now about a reasonable policy at this time.”
Kington called this “an important day for science,” saying there are reports that up to 700 stem cell lines might be available. And while it’s impossible to estimate how many meet the guideline standards, he said, “We believe many of the lines that exist now that were not eligible under previous policy would be eligible under this policy.”
Scientists have long believed these stem cells hold the keys to important discoveries and treatments for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, heart disease and diabetes.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine and other groups say the new policy is long overdue.
“Federally funded scientists will soon be able to put forward research proposals to help us unlock the full potential of human embryonic stem cells,” it said in a written statement. “That work may eventually yield treatments for some of our most stubborn ailments; it may lead to a new set of research tools, but whatever direction the research points to, we are now closer to answers.”
But opponents of the research say it is not sound science and destroys human life.
“The NIH draft guidelines demanded by the president will do nothing to advance stem cell research that is showing near-term benefit for suffering patients,” said spokesman of Family Research Council.
“Instead of funding more embryo destructive research, the government should fund research using adult stem cells that are on the cutting edge of treating patients for diabetes, spinal cord injury, heart disease and various cancers. Unfortunately, this draft guidance only diverts limited federal resources to unethical stem cell research that has not successfully treated a single person for any disease.”
Federal research dollars have long been available for adult stem cell research, but, unlike embryonic stem cells, which have the potential to turn into any organ or tissue cell in the body, they are much harder to turn into completely different cells.
The new regulations will be posted on the Federal Register next week for a 30-day public comment period. Final guidelines are expected on or before July 7, 2009.