Newswise — Following this highly charged midterm election, one thing is clear: embryonic stem cell research has become a hotly contested issue -- a wedge issue. As with any influential issue in politics, as interest in this research continues to increase, so too does the incidence of messages surrounding it: some messages misleading and others honest; some subtle and others blatant.
Scientists know the truth about the vast therapeutic potential of pluripotent human embryonic stem cells. However, as a result of the barrage of mixed messages widely disseminated to the general population, misconceptions and distortions abound.
As the CEO of a leading biotechnology company in the field of regenerative medicine, I feel it is critical to set the record straight, especially now. Here, then, are some of the most common misconceptions, and what we know as the facts versus the "myths."
MYTH " Adult stem cells are superior to embryonic stem cells.FALSE. Some have voiced the criticism that while there are several actual therapies for the treatment of disease using adult-derived stem cells, there are no such demonstrated therapies from human embryonic stem cells. This criticism is misleading, given that human embryonic stem cell research only started in earnest in 1998 after Jamie Thompson derived the first human embryonic stem cell line. All breakthroughs in medical research have to go through a process of research and development before medical therapies can be made available. Finally, these therapies must meet the strict standards of the FDA, a process that generally takes several years, at minimum. It is improbable that therapies derived from embryonic stem cells could have been approved in such a short window of time, especially given U.S. policy restricting NIH funding to this sector, in place since mid-2001.
MYTH "The true agenda of this research is human reproductive cloning and human farming.FALSE. Our company, for example, has one goal: bringing treatments and cures to the bedside of millions of Americans suffering from debilitating diseases and injuries. Companies and research institutions in this country are working to use this technology to find cures for Parkinson's, diabetes, macular degeneration, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries, to name a few. The key word is "cures." That is the exciting potential of this platform technology which heretofore has been a dream for millions of people suffering with life-threatening afflictions; a dream with no pathway to fulfillment. Scientists have now defined a pathway, via unlocking the potential of embryonic stem cell technology, that will translate into therapies.This industry has no interest in human reproductive cloning or human farming. In fact, researchers in this field urge passage of a federal law banning the practice. Furthermore, we are not aware of anyone in the world advocating the cloning of fetuses, babies, or adult humans. In my opinion, such arguments arise simply as a scare tactic to try to influence the public to support a ban on the medical use of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).
MYTH - Alternative methods for deriving stem cell lines should be a secondary funding objective.FALSE. Since human embryonic stem cells are derived before any cell type is formed in the human body, we believe that any use of the cells which has the potential to save lives, or alleviate suffering, should move forward as quickly as possible. Legislation to allow researchers to utilize existing cell lines or funds to further the advancement of alternative technologies that would both address the ethical concerns of some, and provide more efficient means of producing the cells for manufacturing, are supported by the research and the commercial sectors of our industry. One method, tool or funding mechanism should not be traded off for another. It is the compliment of supporting all available means to further the science and assist the translation of the science into commercial therapies that our industry requires.
MYTH - Injecting embryonic stem cells into mice produces uncontrollable tumors.FALSE. It is true that injecting human embryonic stem cells into mice often results in benign masses of tissues forming (benign, not malignant). However, this is irrelevant, because researchers do not want to inject these cells into patients. Our goal is to turn the all-powerful stem cells into cells the patient needs, such as dopamine cells for Parkinson's, heart muscle cells, insulin-secreting cells for diabetes, and so on. This process, known as cell differentiation, is the fundamental tenet that makes this technology so powerful. These differentiated cells are no longer embryonic stem cells. As opposed to forming tumors, they would be expected to replace function in tissues affected by degenerative disease.It should be noted, too, that cell therapies are not new. To give just one example, leukemia patients have benefited from cell therapy for decades. The FDA knows what they require of a cell therapy, and the agency has the well-established guidelines for determining product safety and efficacy.
MYTH - Venture capitalists don't have confidence in the science, so the industry is turning to the government for funding.FALSE. Venture capitalists have invested hundreds of millions of dollars into this research. However, although venture capitalists should play an important role in the process, it is essential that the federal government fund and regulate embryonic stem cell research. Funding for medical research (both private and public) at the national level is the key element of the proven formula that has made the U.S. the world leader in innovation in the field of medical technology. This blueprint provides uniformity in research guidelines, offers consistency to our scientists across state boundaries, institutes critical standardized government oversight, and promotes collaboration throughout the nation. Failing to apply this steadfast model to this research has permitted our foreign competitors to take the lead in this field, and subsequently in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.
It is, of course, the American way to debate the issues that are passionate concerns of affected constituencies. Any such debate, when it is factually focused, responsibly advances the issue, and frames it for those who may be less passionate or knowledgeable. However, we must all strive to provide a foundation of knowledge for the debate, so that disagreement is based on facts, rather than myth.
William M. Caldwell, IVCEO, Advanced Cell Technologywww.advancedcell.comAbout Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Advanced Cell Technology Inc. is a biotechnology company applying embryonic stem cell technology in the emerging field of regenerative medicine. The company operates facilities in Alameda, California and Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.advancedcell.com.
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