NIH backs federal funding of stem cell research

After months of speculation, a US government agency last week revealed its proposed guidelines for the federal funding of research using human embryonic stem cells. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) propose to allow the public funding of stem cell research but recommend prohibiting publicly funded scientists from the process of isolating these cells as it destroys the originating embryos.

Federal law prohibits research on human embryos, but officials believe stem cell research would be legal if private firms isolate the cells before federally funded research. In January, the general counsel for the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) ruled that the congressionally imposed prohibition on funding of embryo research did not cover research on tissues derived from embryos. The guidelines also spell out the separation of research from any decision to donate spare embryos, and offer explicit requirements on the informed consent that is required.

Since the scientific breakthrough in stem cell research last November, researchers have been optimistic about their ability to direct the growth of these undifferentiated cells into any cell type, potentially yielding treatments for a range of disorders including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and even heart disease.

The draft guidelines, published in the Federal Register for a 60 day public comment period, instantly triggered a flurry of statements from both patient advocacy groups and anti-abortion activists. The Washington-based coalition of 34 patient advocacy groups called Patients' Coalition for Urgent Research, or CURe, spoke out in support of the guidelines. 'Too many patients and their families across the country are struggling with devastating illnesses and we have an obligation to do all we can to help them,' said Daniel Perry, CURe's chairman. 'At the same time, it's important that research goes forward in a way that meets the public's demand for ethically conducted science. Development of federal guidelines for stem cell research is the best means for both ends.' But Republican Senator Sam Brownback said: 'The human embryonic stem cell research being proposed by the NIH is illegal, immoral and unnecessary.... it is never acceptable to kill one innocent human being in order to help another.'