A California-based biotechnology company, Geron Corporation, announced on Friday that it had been granted permission by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to conduct the world’s first human clinical trial of a therapy involving embryonic stem cells, says the San Jose Mercury News.
The trial will involve the injection of stem-cell treatment into patients with severe spinal cord injuries in the anticipation that this process would assist the re-growth of damaged nerve cells and thereby enable patients to regain movement.
Original approval for Geron’s trial was granted way back in 2009 but in animal testing the corporation found that small cysts were developing with alarming frequency. Even advocates of embryonic stem cell research have voiced reservations about this particular trial, noting its history with animals.
Embryonic stem cell research is already controversial since it entails the embryo’s destruction during the process of harvesting the stem cells. Pro-life groups, therefore, contend that it is an unethical process and equate the research with abortion since it destroys another potential life. Furthermore, they also argue that adult stem research is an alternative that is both ethical and has proven results.
Supporters of this kind of research emphasise that embryonic stem cells are highly versatile and can mature into any tissue in the body. Ultimately, they hope that it can be used to develop organs for transplant and help regrow damaged nerves.
During President George W. Bush’s tenure, federally funded embryonic stem cell research was limited but under President Obama greater freedom and federal funds have been made available.
Geron’s research, if successful, has the potential to make significant inroads into severe health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
A date for the trial has not been set yet, but Geron does intend to begin before the end of 2010. So far Geron has spent 15 years and more than $150 million on this therapy treatment.