What to Expect in ’08: Stem Cell Research

• Major developments in the isolation of potent stem cell lines without the destruction of embryos will continue, particularly using cell reprogramming. That method will receive federal funding, but ACT's single cell biopsy will not, based on religious objection that it harms embryos.

• A bill to expand federal funding for stem cell research will again pass both houses of Congress. It will be modified, compared to the previous two attempts, in some manner in order to attract more votes. But there will still not be enough to override the president's veto. Stem cell research will not be a significant issue in either the presidential or Congressional elections.

• Despite the recent creation of human clonal embryos, 2008 will not see further major developments in cloning-based stem cell research. By the end of the year, there will be growing sentiment that it is technically inferior to cell reprogramming techniques, and not worth the difficulties of procuring fresh women's eggs.

• The California stem cell research agency will receive a burst of positive publicity around the large facility grants and its new president, Alan Trounson. But by year's end, tensions between Trounson and board chairman Robert Klein will surface. Missteps and minor scandals will continue. The Legislature will consider a bill to reform the beleaguered agency. Calls for major house-cleaning and Klein to step down will grow louder, adding to those from CGS, the Sacramento Bee, and the Los Angeles Times.
  

• No more states will set aside earmarked funds for embryonic stem cell research.
  

• Geron will not begin its long-awaited clinical trial for potential embryonic stem cell therapies.

Previously on Biopolitical Times:

• A Double Standard for Stem Cells and PGD
• Do Two Friedman Units Equal One Okarma?
• Yet More Meddling at CIRM
• Stem Cell Research in New Jersey: The Beginning of the End of Hype?