Recovery Act Funds Expanded Stem Cell Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that it is using $5.4 million in Economic Recovery Act funds to expand and speed its research into pluripotent stem cells, a type of stem cell NOT derived from human embryos.

The $5.4 million in Recovery Act grants will be used to fund extended pluripotent stem cell research to be conducted by 22 scientists at 16 institutions in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Pluripotent stem cells can be derived from skin or other adult cells and appear to be similar to stem cells derived from human embryos. Pluripotent stem cells offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat a myriad of diseases, conditions, and disabilities including Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

The research and grants will be administered by the NIH's National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).

"Stem cell biology is poised for rapid advances, and we expect our Recovery Act investment to have a catalytic effect," said NIGMS Director Jeremy M. Berg, Ph.D. in a press release. "The new awards will contribute to the field's progress by enhancing the utility of iPS cells as tools for research, for testing the effects of drugs on human tissues and ultimately for patient-specific treatments."

Also See:
Bush Vetoes Stem Cell Research Bill (2005)
Obama Nixes Marijuana, Supports Stem Cells

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