Research indicates that funding trends for stem cell research are shifting the focus from embryonic cells to non-embryonic cells, which are considered morally and ethically beyond question.
The embryonic type are derived from embryos, and those used for research are generally developed in vitro (outside the body, in a laboratory). Non-embryonic stem cells, also known as adult or somatic stem cells, are found in the various tissues and organs of our body. Its main function is to maintain and repair any organ or tissue in which they are. Removed from a patient’s body and then reintroduced, or transplanted, into the body after various treatments such as chemotherapy (which aims to destroy a faulty immune system), they allow the patient to recover with minimal risk of rejection.
Research funding trends
The Washington-based Charlotte Lozier Institute recently released a report indicating current funding trends in the state of Maryland, with reference to funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The final finding was that there has been “a decisive change in strategy”, reflecting the view of the stem cell scientific community that the best opportunity for disease therapies and treatments is with non-embryonic stem cells they are “morally unproblematic” rather than morally questionable embryonic stem cells.
Stem cell research is not new, but for decades it has been accomplished “by destroying unique living human beings,” says Chuck Donovan, president of the Charlotte Lozier Institute. The previous belief was that they had the potential ability to cure numerous conditions and diseases, some fatal. Initially, Donovan says, this type of funding boomed, but unfortunately “effective therapies did not flourish.”
Embryonic labeling-based “morally objectionable” research, Donovan is encouraged that the Institute’s research shows that there is a growing desire on the part of funding organizations (in this case specifically CIRM and the Maryland Stem Cell Commission) to fund what he calls for ethical stem cell projects across the country. This reflects the belief on the part of the scientific community that morally unproblematic alternatives are the key to the most encouraging and likely rapid advances in medical science.
The report
The MSCRF, established in 2006, has already distributed millions of dollars for this type of research. An analysis of how much has been granted to embryo-based research and how much to non-embryonic research shows a downward trend for the former and an upward trend for the latter.
While the number of grants from the Maryland commission is relatively low, especially compared to CIRM, the trend is nonetheless strong. A total of 11 embryo-based projects were funded in 2007 and 2009, peaking in 2008-16. In addition, three grants were awarded for studies using human and adult embryonic stem cells (hESCR). The grants totaled $ 7.61 million. Only one embryo-based project was funded last year.
In contrast, only four non-embryonic projects were funded in 2007, while last year 28 were funded. Of these, 17 used adult stem cells and 11 used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The highest numbers were funded in 2009 and 2010, with 32 non-embryonic projects being funded each year.
The CIRM statistics, discussed in more detail in an earlier Charlotte Lozier Institute report, follow a similar pattern. This is notable since CIRM is described as the largest source of funding for research of its kind outside the NIH.
The funding patterns show very clearly that despite what early researchers confidently predicted in terms of hESCR research, it has not happened. Instead, it is adult and iPSC research that is increasing dramatically, while hESCR has declined dramatically. Furthermore, the use of SCNT for the purpose of cloning embryos for specific cells from patients “now seems strange,” the report states.
Finally, the report notes that “money also talks.”
And what the money says is that these viable alternatives exist and it is in them that the true therapeutic promise of regenerative medicine resides. “
