Geron Corporation, a major research company based in California, has halted clinical trials using embryonic stem cells to focus on cancer research instead.
A press release by Geron states the decision was made “after a strategic review of the costs, value inflection timelines and clinical, manufacturing and regulatory complexities associated with the Company’s research and clinical-stage assets.”
The decision has been met with disappointment by pro-choice organisations and embryonic stem cell researchers.
“Geron’s decision was driven by private business considerations,” insisted the Rev. Dr. Carlton W. Veazey, president and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC).
Veazey said that Christian and Jewish members of the RCRC “strongly endorse life-saving research with stem cells from embryos that would otherwise be discarded by the individuals who created them for infertility treatment.”
Dr. Timothy J. Kamp, professor of medicine and director of the Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineCenter at the University of Wisconsin, was also left disappointed by the news.
“The decision is a disappointment to most in the field because Geron has been a pioneer in advancing this promising research to clinical applications and completing a first clinical trial would be a milestone,” said Kamp.
“Researchers will continue to be driven by the scientific results to make progress in advancing new therapies using whatever cell sources are most effective,” he added.
“In some cases, there remains strong rationale for using human ES cells as a promising cell source, so I expect that work will continue.”
In stark contrast, pro-choice groups saw Enron’s decision as a victory.
Americans United for Life’s staff counsel Mailee Smith argued that the decision was “a blow to proponents of destructive embryo research.”
“Once again, researchers utilizing cells from destroyed embryos have failed to advance any cures or treatments,” said Smith.
“Geron was the first company to attempt human clinical trials using embryonic stem cells. Its failed attempt to produce any results could chill further requests to attempt such risky and unethical research.”
Dawn McBane, bioethics analyst for the family advocacy organization CitizenLink, also believed this was a “huge victory” for pro-life activists.
“Pro-lifers have been saying for years that embryonic stem cell research is a dead-end road for research – from a scientific, financial, and ethical standpoint,” said McBane.
“Even though Geron was unconcerned with the ethical problems of killing young human embryos, the overwhelming unlikelihood of getting useful treatments out of embryonic stem cell research eventually led them to reconsider their efforts.”
Both Smith and McBane added that adult stem cells, or stem cells that are not harvested from human embryos, were a much more worthy investment in terms of research.
“There are no treatments or cures using embryonic stem cells, yet there are over 70 cures and treatments using adult stem cells,” said Smith, insisting that adult stem cells “hold the key to medical advancement.”
“Not only do embryonic stem cells not work … adult stem cells continue to demonstrate that they are capable of treating dozens of diseases and injuries for thousands of patients around the world,” said McBane.