For well over a decade, American researchers were hamstrung by draconian regulations that made it almost impossible to conduct meaningful research on embryonic stem cells. Given that stem cells offer the promise of new, effective treatments for some of the most debilitating diseases and injuries, these restrictions have slowed research progress.
Now, at least some of the restrictions are being lifted — though researchers must still work within the strictures of existing laws. For example, grants from the federal government may still not be used to actually make the cells using human embryos, though funds may be used to work with the cells after someone else has made them. According to a Reuter’s article:
The National Institutes of Health, which issued the rules, eased some of the measures in the initial guidelines drawn up in March, including the so-called “informed consent” requirements meant to ensure that people who donated embryos for research knew exactly what they might be used for.
We allow a case-by-case review,” acting NIH director Dr. Raynard Kington told reporters in a telephone briefing.
The article goes on to say that the change in rules reflects strong public support for research. Such support shouldn’t be surprising, since embryonic stem cell research has already yielded promising new directions for treatment of such issues as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and other major health concerns.
It is the most that the administration can offer under current law,” said Dr. John Gearhart, a stem cell expert at the University of Pennsylvania. “There are many ‘new’ cell lines that have exceptional properties and have been maintained under better conditions that will meet the criteria of use.
Photo courtesy of Julie Baker/Stanford University School of Medicine/California Institute for Regenerative Medicine/Handout.