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National Genecular Institute Testifies in Favor of Iowa Bill to Ease Restrictions on Stem Cell Research

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 February 2007, 09:01 CST

The National Genecular Institute (NGI) today announced Dr. Tannin Fuja, director of research and chief scientific officer, will testify today at a public hearing in support of the Iowa Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.

The Bill, House File 287, would ease restrictions on stem cell research and enable medical researchers to create embryonic stem cells through cloning in order to find cures and treatments for diseases. It was recently approved by the Iowa House Human Resources Committee and will be the focus of public hearing today at the Iowa State House in Des Moines from 7-10 p.m. The bill will then likely be debated by the Full House.

Dr. Fuja, who is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa, is leading NGI's development of the world's largest global biotrust facility in conjunction with the University of Iowa. Hundreds of thousands of tissue and DNA samples will be collected, cultivated, stored and sold to third-party researchers for studies into diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers and MS.

"While embryonic stem cell research is currently being conducted in Iowa, under the current law this research cannot be used for treatment and therapies," said Fuja. "Embyronic stem cell research holds tremendous promise for improving the lives of millions of Americans and offers a powerful tool in the advancement of biomedical discovery and cure that is critically distinct from that of adult or fetal stem cell research. This is why we strongly urge the Iowa congress to support the repeal of the ban on embryonic stem cell research in Iowa."

National Genecular Institute

The National Genecular Institute, Inc. (NGI), is a subsidiary of Dermacia, Inc., the manufacturer and innovator of skin care products, anti-aging cosmeceuticals and topical pharmaceuticals. NGI is advancing the future of customized medicine in areas such as skin diseases and conditions through a global biomedical research protocol that identifies the human genetic factors causing a given disease or condition, as well as the subsequent development of targeted products and therapeutics.

Source: Business Wire

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