Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), has issued the following statement on H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.
"I commend Speaker Pelosi (D-CA), Representative DeGette (D-CO), Representative Castle (R-DE) and other Congressional leaders for recognizing the great potential of embryonic stem cell research and for moving so quickly to greatly expand the ability of scientists to receive federal funding for this research.
"While embryonic stem cell research is still at an early stage, the nation's top scientists agree that this technology has the greatest potential to provide new, groundbreaking therapies for diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injuries and a host of other disabling and deadly conditions.
"A recent paper reported on very promising research using stem cells drawn from amniotic fluid. While we are optimistic about these findings, the results have not yet been replicated. This work should not be seen as a substitute for the embryonic stem cell research authorized by HR 3. The ability of pluripotent embryonic stem cells to create specialized cells throughout the body has already been proven in laboratories across the world.
"In a letter to Representatives DeGette and Castle, the author of that paper agreed that his research was not a substitute to pursue other forms of research on regenerative medicine therapies. He stated, ‘It is very possible that research involving embryonic stem cells will have critical implications for advancing research into amniotic fluid stem cells. It is essential that National Institute of Health-funded researchers are able to fully pursue embryonic stem cell research as a complement to research into other forms of stem cells.'