Latest On The Stem Cell Front
Today's latest news on stem cell research comes from DC and from Britian. First from DC comes the news that the FDA is halting human trials of embryonic stem cells "treatments"....
More information is coming to light about why the Food and Drug Administration has made the decision to stop human trials involving embryonic stem cells. The reasons mirror the concerns pro-life advocates have had for years with the research, which has yet to help any patients...When used in animal research, injections of embryonic stem cells formed tumors afterwards and also prompted the immune system of the intended recipients to reject the cells.
The FDA delayed the trials to review studies of the therapy, called GRNOPC1, in its use with animals.
Now, new reports indicate problems associated with the animals in Geron's studies prompted the FDA to halt the human trials. Specifically, the animals developed cysts at the injury sites after the injections.
Geron tried to play down the concerns and said in a statement that “a very low frequency of injected animals developed microscopic cysts in the regenerating injury site” but the cysts were “non-proliferative, confined to the injury site, and had no adverse effects on the animals."
It added that none of the animals developed teratomas.
“We have submitted these data to the FDA and are in discussions with the agency to answer its questions and proceed with the clinical trial,” Geron said.
Next comes this out of Britain where it appears yet another adult stem cell "cure" has been discovered.
British surgeons are pioneering a new technique which uses stem cells to repair damaged bones.
The procedure could prevent thousands of people from needing to have an artificial hip fitted.Sky News was given exclusive access to one of the first operations, which was carried out at the Spire Hospital in Southampton.
Mark Venables, 39, suffers from a condition where bone in his hip died, weakening his joint and causing pain on movement.
But surgeons used his own stem cells to rejuvenate the affected bone.
While the advocates of embryonic stem cells continue to push a "potential", the future is here and now with adult stem cells. It's time to put an end to the false hope that is embryonic stem cell research.
Cross posted at Ladies Logic where your comments are welcome.
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