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Although California voters last November approved a proposition that promises to push the state to the forefront of embryonic stem (ES) cell research, legislation introduced in the state senate last week may significantly constrain the way that the new California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) conducts business.
Proposition 71 created CIRM to award up to $3 billion over the next decade to academic and industry researchers working in the state on stem cell projects that are ineligible for federal funds because of restrictions on human embryonic research. One far-reaching new measure introduced on 17 March aims to amend the state constitution to redefine CIRM. It would increase scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest, require more open meetings, and guarantee that products or treatments derived from this research are both affordable to low-income residents and pay increased royalty or licensing fees to the state.
Zach Hall, CIRM's interim president, takes issue with several concerns raised by the legislators. "It really does seem to be a gap between two cultures," says Hall, a neuroscientist who once headed the National Institute of Neurological...
Proposition 71 created CIRM to award up to $3 billion over the next decade to academic and industry researchers working in the state on stem cell projects that are ineligible for federal funds because of restrictions on human embryonic research. One far-reaching new measure introduced on 17 March aims to amend the state constitution to redefine CIRM. It would increase scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest, require more open meetings, and guarantee that products or treatments derived from this research are both affordable to low-income residents and pay increased royalty or licensing fees to the state.
Zach Hall, CIRM's interim president, takes issue with several concerns raised by the legislators. "It really does seem to be a gap between two cultures," says Hall, a neuroscientist who once headed the National Institute of Neurological...