The current issue of Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal contains the first installment in a two part series on the ethics of stem cell tourism, by long time stem cell watcher Cynthia Cohen and Peter Cohen. The Cohens pull together a large body of news reports and internet posts on Russian and Indian private clinics… Continue reading Information: Stem Cell Tourism Redux (part 1)
Tag: embryonic stem cells
California Dreamin: CIRM Announces New Stem Cell Awards
California’s Institute for Regenerative Medicine just announced a series of large funding awards to fund translational research initiatives involving (mostly) stem cells. The projects funded are telling with respect to what was funded, and what they will attempt to achieve. First, notwithstanding a press release containing the words “bringing stem cell therapies to the clinic,”… Continue reading California Dreamin: CIRM Announces New Stem Cell Awards
Prime Time for Embryonic Stem Cells?
According to a recent report in the Washington Post, researchers at Geron have received approval from FDA to initiate the first ever human trial involving stem cells derived from human embryos. A story in the most recent issue of Nature provides more background. Briefly, the study will involve transplanting tissues derived from human embryonic stem… Continue reading Prime Time for Embryonic Stem Cells?
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
From Bench to Ringside: The Presidential Debate
Last night, Obama and McCain confronted each other in the final Presidential debate. A flagging economy and two wars have left little room in the two campaigns for discussion of science, policy, and human research. Yet last night’s debate touched on two themes: embryonic stem cell (hES) research, and biomedical research funding. Obama accused McCain… Continue reading From Bench to Ringside: The Presidential Debate
A Thick Frosting of Science…
On September 2, the Washington Post ran a story (“Injections of Hope: Doctors Promote Offshore Stem Cell Shots, but Some Patients Cry Foul”) on an emerging global economy of stem cell medical tourism. It described how patients with conditions ranging from ALS to spinal cord injury travel to offshore clinics to receive unvalidated cell “therapies”–embryonic… Continue reading A Thick Frosting of Science…
Is Embryonic Stem Cell Research Fully Developed?
As reported by Monya Baker in the April 10 issue of Nature (and Alicia Mundy in Wall Street Journal, April 11), FDA is convening a public hearing on the safety of therapies derived from embryonic stem cells as I write this blog entry. (Note: for info on the meeting, visit http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/ DOCKETS/98fr/E7-24629.htm) As yet, (reputable)… Continue reading Is Embryonic Stem Cell Research Fully Developed?