FDA Approves Human Trials Using Unethical Embryonic Stem Cells

Despite concerns about the rapid growth and potential harmful effects of putting embryonic stem cells in human beings, the FDA and the Obama Administration have approved the first human trials using embryonic stem cells. Geron, a California cloning company, received approval for the human clinical trials well over a year ago but the trials were put on hold because of safety concerns encountered in animal studies. The approved early stage trial is for patients with spinal cord injury.

Dr. David Prentice says, “It’s unfortunate that the FDA has released Geron from the safety hold on their embryonic stem cell trial. Even many pro-embryonic stem cell scientists have expressed reservations about Geron’s trial, that it is not proven even in rats. The concern for many of us is that Geron is endangering patient’s health and very lives to make a political point and increase their stock price.”

Yesterday, I wrote about the success of adult stem cells in treating real patients with real diseases. The Geron story once again moves adult stem cells to the back of the bus.

Read the hype at the Geron website here.

Barbara Lyons