Landmark stem cell measure passes
Californian voters have approved the landmark stem cell measures known as Proposition 71. The proposition, which was approved on November 3, creates the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to evaluate stem cell research projects and supports it with an average $295m a year for 10 years, financed by a $3b state bond initiative.
Californian voters have approved the landmark stem cell measures known as Proposition 71. The proposition, which was approved on November 3, creates the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to evaluate stem cell research projects and supports it with an average $295m a year for 10 years, financed by a $3b state bond initiative.
Invitrogen, based in Carlsbad, CA, has welcomed the vote, and stated that it is well-positioned to provide a wide variety of critical research tools needed to advance the surge in stem cell research in California that will result from the new measure. Invitrogen's global program of research products for stem cell studies is based on its more than 40 years experience working to support cell line research.
The company's GIBCO business is currently the leading provider of technologies for stem cell research.
'As a California-based company serving leading research markets around the world, we are delighted that our fellow citizens recognise the great potential of stem cells to treat intractable diseases and are committed to supporting innovation in this critical area,' said Gregory Lucier, Invitrogen's chairman and ceo. 'This proposition can help move the medical benefits of stem cell research from laboratories to patients, and Invitrogen is uniquely positioned to help bridge that gap. We look forward to expanding our current partnerships with California-based researchers to accelerate the promise of this important work in the battle against human disease.'
Over the past year, Invitrogen has increased its ongoing worldwide involvement with research institutions working on stem cell applications, recently partnering with the Southern California Stem Cell Consortium (Burnham Institute, Scripps Research Institute, Salk Institute, University of California, San Diego) as well as becoming a lead partner with the Canadian Stem Cell Network. The company will continue to expand on these and other collaborations as this area of research grows.
Stem cell research
Stem cell research may help provide insight into new ways to treat and cure diseases and conditions ranging from spinal cord injuries to diabetes, Parkinson's disease and others.. Proposition 71 holds the potential to drive a great deal of stem cell research to companies and institutions operating in California, which may result in more rapid development and commercialisation of therapeutic applications for the technology. Proponents of the measure have also pointed to a potential economic benefit to the State through new business ventures and profit from products derived from the research.