FDA gives green signal to first embryonic stem-cell trial

Washington, United States, January 23: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given its consent to undertake the first-ever human clinical trial of embryonic stem cells. This will open up new avenues in the field of science, the researchers said.

The biotechnology company called Geron Corp., a Menlo Park, Calif. will shortly announce the approval it has received from the FDA. Now the company is all set to initiate a study on possibilities of medical treatment for spinal cord injuries through stem-cell research. The study will involve at least 10 patients to conduct the study.

Thomas B. Okarma, Geron's president and chief executive officer said that this is an important development in the area of medical therapeutics. Scientists are hoping that stem-cell therapy will have the ability to effectively repair and regenerate diseased organs and tissue. If the research is successful, this kind of treatment will be much more effective than pills and surgeries.

The Congress and former President George W. Bush had imposed certain limitations on stem-cell research pertaining to some ethical and religious grounds. Due to these restrictions, the research was unable to get federal funding and support.

Supporters of stem-cell research argued that unrequited delays and restrictions are obstacles in the way of reaching or finding effective new treatments. While, opponents maintained that deriving stem cells from embryos can pose a great threat to human life.

In his campaign, President Barack Obama claimed that removing the limitations imposed on the stem cell research would be one of the important things in his administration but no final decision has been given by Obama’s Administration yet.

Biotech companies and investors were overwhelmed when they came to know that President Barack Obama intends to use his executive powers to undo the restrictions imposed by Bush’s administration on this kind of research work.

However, in Jan. 18 interview on CNN, Mr. Obama said, "I like the idea of the American people's representatives expressing their views on an issue like this." Obama added that might let Congress decide what to do about such a sensitive issue.

Karen Riley, an FDA spokeswoman said, "The FDA looks to the science on these types of issues, and we approve [such applications] based on a showing of safety…Political considerations have no role in this process."