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University of Minnesota pursuing ethical stem cell research with hopeful results

May 8, 2012

MCCL Executive Director Scott Fischbach

 

Non-embryonic stem cells show hope for MD treatment

MINNEAPOLIS — Stem cell research by the University of Minnesota has
shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy without the destruction of
human embryos. Published May 3 in Cell Stem Cell, the ethical research is
being praised by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the state’s
oldest and largest pro-life organization.

“It is encouraging to see the U of M explore the amazing potential of non-
embryonic stem cells in developing a treatment for muscular dystrophy,”
said MCCL Executive Director Scott Fischbach. “We look forward to further
ethical stem cell discoveries from U of M researchers.”

The research involves the use of iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells
derived from human skin cells. The skin cells are reprogrammed to become
pluripotent, or able to express the properties of embryonic stem cells. The
U of M admits in its press release that “iPS cells have all of the potential of
embryonic stem (ES) cells.” These iPS cells have the added advantage of
guarding against rejection, because the patient’s own cells are used rather
than cells derived from a human embryo.

Other researchers have used ethical adult stem cells to develop treatments
for more than 70 diseases and conditions, including cerebral palsy,
Parkinson’s disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, cancers, anemias and
autoimmune disorders. Thousands of people are alive today because of
treatments developed from adult stem cells.

“Adult stem cell research offers great promise for those suffering from
debilitating diseases and conditions,” Fischbach added. “The U of M is smart
to draw from this rich source in its development of cell-based therapies.”

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