The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) heralded the success of Proposition 71 in California, which authorizes the state to spend up to $3 billion in stem cell research over the next ten years. CAMR, comprised of the nation's leading patient groups, universities, and scientific societies, has led national efforts to support federal funding of stem cell research and therapeutic cloning.

"Californians have sent a strong signal to Capitol Hill-don't delay research, don't delay cures, and don't delay hope," said Daniel Perry, President of CAMR. "Patients and families throughout the nation have been closely following this vote because it shows for what can be accomplished at the grassroots level when the federal government isn't doing the job. CAMR supported and endorsed Prop. 71, and we're delighted it passed- this is a momentous day for patients, for researchers, and for all those who place their hopes in medical research," he added.

Over the past several months, CAMR sent state advocacy kits to grassroots volunteers throughout the U.S. The kits included legislative, media, and organizing tips; sample materials; and a legislative overview of current state legislation for and against stem cell research. The toolkit was created to help volunteers educate policy makers and voters at the state and community levels. CAMR's advocacy toolkit is available on organization's website: http://www.camradvocacy.org.

"The funds available now for stem cell research in California will dwarf what any other country in the world is spending. Prop. 71 was a bold initiative and voters should be applauded for their courage-we predict that other states will scramble to follow California's lead," noted Perry. This victory, however, does not replace the urgent and necessary need for the U.S. government to take its proper place in leading the country and the world in rapidly advancing this research. It's only with federal oversight and endorsement that this research will reach it's maximum potential in helping to alleviate the suffering of those facing life-threatening diseases," added Perry.

Background on current federal policy for embryonic stem cell research

On August 9, 2001, the President announced to the nation in a televised address that federal funding for embryonic stem cell research would only be allowed on stem cell lines already in existence, and promised there were more than 60 lines available for research. Today, estimates at the National Institutes of Health (news - web sites) indicate there are only 22 lines available, far short of what the policy intended. In addition to the few cell lines available, those lines that qualify for federal funding are not genetically or racially diverse enough to meet research needs. Also, developing future therapies with the current stem cell lines may prove impossible since cell lines cultivated in the past were exposed to mouse "feeder" cells, and may not be acceptable under federal regulations on biological materials drawn from more than one species. Researchers are also hesitant to use these lines for patient therapies when newer, non- contaminated stem cell colonies are being developed beyond the reach of the Administration's policy by private organizations and in other countries.

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), a non-partisan non-profit, is comprised of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine - including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer - in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit the website: http://www.camradvocacy.org