Stem Cell Progress Draws GlobalScientific Interest @ (NAPSA)}—Quietly and without fanfare, the progress in deriving stem cells from a process that does not require a human embryo is drawing increasing interest from scientists around the world. The stem cell process, known as “parthenogenesis,” begins with an unfertilized human egg. “Our process avoids the ethical objections over stem cell creation from fertilized eggs,” said Ken disease. International Stem Cell is also providing its cells to a major California university for use in research on liver disease, and it method shows great promise in creating therapeutic cells that will not be rejected by the body.” has demonstrated the ability to grow human corneal tissue from its stem cells. Stem Cell Use Expected Soon A public company traded under the symbol ISCO.OB, International Stem Cell (www.interna tionalstemcell.com) expects its stem cells to be used before the end of the year in preclinicaltrials to treat macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness and vision and understand the full neurogenic potential of this promising the National Eye Institute. Aldrich, CEO of International Stem Cell. “In addition, our “It is now important to analyze cell source,” said Dr. Albrecht Mueller, a German scientist at the University of Wurzburg, which has signed a research agreement with the company. Added Sir Ian Wilmut, a British scientist cred- ited with major advances in animal cloning, “Immune reaction is one of the most serious problems facing the development of stem cell therapy, and cell lines of this type may enable us to treat a large number of patients without immunerejection.” Treating Degenerative Conditions That Affect The Brain Research in Wurzburg is focused on the use of stem cells to treat degenerative conditions that affect the brain and central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s impairment among Americans aged 60 and older, according to Research Is Closely Watched Research on stem cell therapies is among the most closely watched in health care. This is because of hopes that stem cells might prove key in helping the body repairtissues and organs damaged by injury or disease, and also because of heated controversy in the U.S. surrounding use of human embryos as a source of stem cells for research and treatment. “We believe that International Stem Cell is on track to unlock the potential of stem cell therapy,” Aldrich said. “Our scientific progress to date is significant. Because our process does not involve the use of human embryos, we also believe our work will be welcomed across the broadest spectrum ofreligious andethical belief.”
