What’s the difference between testing a typical small molecule drug, and testing a novel cell therapy strategy? And where might the latter raise ethical challenges that the former doesn’t? These questions are extensively discussed in my book, and given human drama in a recent story by Jennifer Couzin-Frankel in the Feb 12, 2010 issue of… Continue reading Transplanting Autoimmune Research
Tag: cell transfer
Stems and Blossoms (part 2): Really Informed Consent
There is a strain within the clinical and bioethics community that takes a minimal view of informed consent: investigators are supposed to provide requisite information to volunteers; if research subjects fail to comprehend this information, pity for them. This view brings to mind a memorable exchange between Inspector Clouseau and a hotel clerk (Clouseau: “does… Continue reading Stems and Blossoms (part 2): Really Informed Consent
Stems and Blossoms (part 1): Justice
Shortly before I left for holiday, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) issued a policy paper, “Guidelines for the Clinical Translation of Stem Cells,” outlining ethical and scientific considerations for researchers designing translational trials involving stem cells (whether stem cell derived, adult, or embryonic). In my opinion, the document wins the award for… Continue reading Stems and Blossoms (part 1): Justice
Soft Cells and C-Sections
The American Society of Gene Therapy is renaming itself: “American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy” (membership has yet to finalize the name change.” The European Society of Gene Therapy has already done so: “European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy.” Why is gene transfer going cellular? The publicly stated reasons are two fold. First… Continue reading Soft Cells and C-Sections