Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement regarding the news that researchers at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute created 20 disease-specific stem cell lines thru the new induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technique:
“The creation of stem cells lines carrying the genes or genetic components of ten diseases is a great step forward in the quest to understand, treat and eventually cure disease. We commend the Institute for their research and for making these stem cell lines available to researchers around the world to study.
“As the researchers have noted, while these stem cell lines were created thru iPS, we should not abandon other promising areas of research such as embryonic stem cell research. We must do all we can to accelerate research and explore all avenues of therapeutic possibilities to their fullest to determine which areas can present treatment options fastest.
“BIO will continue to support and advocate for increased funding for all promising areas of therapeutic research.”
BIO is the world’s largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,150 members worldwide. Their mission is to be the champion of biotechnology and the advocate for member organizations-both large and small.
BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology technologies. Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 100 multinationals. They also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry and academic centers.
Source: Biotechnology Industry Organization, USA