The Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child has taken its usual obstructionist stance to the decision that stem cells are to be used in the rehabilitation of stroke victims. The clinical trials that take place in Glasgow may result in genuine relief for the disabled and, if successful, promise the first step in regenerative medicine. The crowing over this advance in terms of a national context, drawing research to Britain and Europe is unnecessary.
The trials are being funded by ReNeuron, a stem cell research company based in Guildford, Surrey. It applied to begin trials two years ago in the United States but could not secure permission from the US Food and Drug Administration. However, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency has given its approval for trials in Britain.
Dr John Sinden, ReNeuron's chief scientific officer, predicted that the decision, coupled with the recent transplant in Spain, would encourage other research firms to seek permission for trials in the UK and Europe rather than the United States. "Europe is going to be the centre in stem cells and regenerative medicine and that is very exciting," he said.
The more countries that are involved in this research and share their results, the faster that we can save and improve the health expectancy of the elderly, the sick and the disabled. Faster, please.