Brutal state-by-state battles will continue. A single state senator this year almost derailed all embryonic stem cell research in Texas. Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry heroically vetoed a total embryonic stem cell research ban. As these fights persist, advocates must stay focused to combat creative and increasingly desperate foes.
But there are larger issues. Embryonic stem cell research is only one aspect of the field of regenerative medicine. Advocates must be educated about the long, winding and expensive path to move basic discoveries through the regulatory process to treatments. Effective treatments will not happen without a robust business community. The nascent "regen industry" seeks a sensible regulatory climate, balanced intellectual property landscape, resolution on issues relating to reimbursements and health insurance for novel cell therapies, well-defined international standards and clear direction on the use of embryo-derived cells. Advocates, scientists and business must unite in a common cause.
The World Stem Cell Summit that opens in Baltimore Monday brings the stakeholders together. One attendee will be Josh Basile, a University of Maryland student from Potomac who was paralyzed in an accident. He is among the 3,500 students on 20 campuses involved in the stem cell advocacy movement. "If these cells are given a chance to do what they potentially can do ..." he says. "I am doing 25 hours of exercise a week to keep my body healthy so one day I can meet science halfway."
