FDA approves first-ever human test of embryonic stem cell-based therapy.
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The New York Times (7/31, B1, Pollack) reported on the front of its Business Day section that the FDA has approved "the world's first authorized test in people of a therapy derived from human embryonic stem cells." The clinical trial "could offer the first glimpse of the safety and possible effectiveness of a technology that has been hailed for its vast medical promise but also embroiled in political and ethical controversy." The trial "will test cells developed by the Geron Corporation and the University of California, Irvine in patients with new spinal cord injuries."

The AP (7/31, Seaman) reported that Geron "plans to enroll eight to 10 patients in the study at sites nationwide. The trial" for its GRNOPC1 therapy "will take about two years, with each patient being studied for one year."

The Wall Street Journal (7/31, Gryta) noted that Geron began the study in early 2009, but it was stopped due to concerns in an animal study showing an increased frequency of small cysts within the injury site.

Bloomberg News (7/31, Waters, Peterson) added that Thomas Okarma, Geron's president and chief executive officer, said the FDA's decision strengthens the company's ability to start similar trials in the future. CNN (7/31, Landau) and the USA Today (7/30, Vergano) "Science Fair" blog also covered the story.

Adult stem cells used in wide range of potential treatments.

The AP (8/2, Ritter) reports, "For all the emotional debate that began about a decade ago on allowing the use of embryonic stem cells, it's adult stem cells that are in human testing today. An extensive review of stem cell projects and interviews with two dozen experts reveal a wide range of potential treatments." For example, "adult stem cells are being studied in people who suffer from multiple sclerosis, heart attacks, and diabetes." Not long ago, "researchers reported that they restored vision to patients whose eyes were damaged by chemicals." In addition, adult stem-cell transplants "have become a standard lifesaving therapy for perhaps hundreds of thousands of people with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood diseases." Adult stem cells are also used in growing skin grafts.

International Society For Stem Cell Research concerned about aggressive marketing of treatments.

The AP (8/2) reports, "The International Society for Stem Cell Research says it's concerned about aggressive marketing of treatments by clinics that may not have safeguards to ensure safety or likely benefit. In June, the society launched a website " that "offers background information on stem cell research and suggests questions to ask at a particular clinic," such as questions about the scientific evidence behind the treatment, clinic oversight, accreditation, and the risks as well as near- and long-term side effects of procedures offered.