US seen lagging on stem cell research

LONDON (Reuters) – The United States is lagging behind
Britain and other leading nations on stem cell research, a
visiting U.S. Congressional delegation said on Thursday.

Scientists believe that stem cells, master cells in the
body that can develop into any cell type, could be used to
treat diseases ranging from diabetes to Parkinson’s.

But their use is controversial because the most promising
stem cells for treating human diseases are derived from very
early human embryos.

The United has restricted federal funding of stem cell
research which Colorado Democrat Rep. Diana DeGette said has
forced some American scientists to relocate to countries which
have more lenient policies.

“In addition, leadership in this area of research has
shifted to the United Kingdom, which sees this scientific area
as a cornerstone of its biotech industry,” she said in a
statement.

DeGette and other members of the bipartisan Congressional
delegation are holding meetings in Britain with government
officials, agencies and scientists about advances in stem cell
research, as well as ethical and regulatory issues.

Rhode Island Democratic Rep. Jim Langevin said the visit
has opened his eyes about the innovations that are occurring in
Britain.

“Unfortunately, this trip is also serving as a reminder of
how much the scientific community in the United States is
missing out on research and investment opportunities,” he said.

DeGette and Delaware Republican Rep. Michael Castle, who is
also part of the delegation, introduced a bill to expand
federal funding of stem cell research on human embryos that
would otherwise be discarded.

It was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives last
year and has been introduced into the Senate. President George
W. Bush has threatened to veto it.

Opponents of the research object to the use of federal
funds to finance it.

Sir Richard Gardner, of Britain’s national academy of
science the Royal Society, who met the delegation said
expanding federal funding in the United States would benefit
patients and researchers in Britain and other countries.

“More federally-funded research on human embryonic stem
cells in the United States would increase the number of
researchers who are active in this important field and thus
hasten progress toward new therapies,” Gardner said.