Open Letter to Texas Legislature
Regarding SB1 Rider

April 14, 2009

From: Fiona Watt, President, International Society for Stem Cell Research

Dear Members of the Texas Legislature,

As leaders and members of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR), we the undersigned are writing to urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to reject passage of the rider to the SB 1 budget bill that would ban funding for human embryonic stem cell research.  Prohibiting specific state funds for the research would limit the ability to conduct the research—whatever the funding source—in any state-funded institution. In addition to this rider on SB 1, our reading of the bill indicates than even more restrictive language would follow in SB 1695, with an even broader ban on any human embryonic cell research conducted in any academic institution in Texas.

As the primary international organization of scientists, ethicists, and clinical researchers in the field of stem cell biology, our considered opinion is that research on stem cells of all types should be pursued with the goals of gaining better understanding of human physiology and relieving the burden of disease and disability. Cutting edge research continues to demonstrate the great potential and need for all types of stem cells to lead to improved understanding and treatment of many terrible diseases, injuries and medical conditions.

A recent advance in stem cell research that reprograms adult stem cells to resemble embryonic stem cells, called induced Pluripotent Stem (IPS) cells, has captured the imagination of the scientific community worldwide. Many scientists are very optimistic about the future of this new research. Unfortunately, some in political circles have interpreted this enthusiasm as a verdict that research on human embryonic stem cells is no longer necessary. This conclusion is premature and is not scientifically justified. While we recognize that IPS cells open up exciting new areas of stem cell research, this technology is at a very early stage of development and many fundamental questions remain unanswered.  We believe it is necessary to continue research on all types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, IPS cells, and adult stem cells. We must use all the weapons at our disposal in our fight against disease.

Presently, it is not possible to predict exactly which research strategy will prove the most successful as we strive to advance medical care. Stem cell research holds great potential in the development of diagnostics and predictive medicines and therapeutic intervention for incurable degenerative diseases and conditions. No single approach is expected to hold all the answers. Indeed, therapies will likely require a battery of drugs to control the immune and regenerative processes, and several types of laboratory-produced cells to repair and rebuild damaged cells and tissues. Embryonic stem cells isolated from human blastocysts are invaluable for medical research—and are the “gold standard” of pluripotent stem cells (which have the ability to develop into any fully functional cell of the body).

The leadership of the ISSCR has received calls from concerned Texas scientists who have expressed their intention to leave the State if it becomes inhospitable to vital areas of stem cell research. Texas is an international leader in medical research and care, in particular cancer, cardiovascular disease and genetic disorders. It will be difficult for Texas to remain at the forefront if restrictions are placed on embryonic stem cell research, which promises to teach us important lessons in these fields, not least about cancer stem cells and malignant transformation.

In closing, we thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. Please call on us if our organization can be of assistance as you develop policy in Texas that would allow the very best scientific and clinical research to proceed.

Posted: April 14, 2009