CGS-authored
The stem cell institute moves to rein in conflicts of interest, but some concerns remain The state committee that will hand out $3 billion in grants for stem cell research adopted policies April 7 that are meant to prevent conflicts of interest. But critics still worry that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) will be compromised by the committee's abundant connections to biotech, which its members will largely be allowed to maintain.
More than 10 of the 29 committee members work for or are heavily invested in biomedical companies with some interest in stem cell work. Several others are affiliated with nonprofit institutions doing research on stem cells (see "Celling Out," 4/6/05).
Under the new rules, committee members must disclose all financial interests and then recuse themselves from voting on any decision that involves their employer or "financially benefits the member or the entity he or she represents." They're also forbidden to approve grants that could have a "material financial effect" on their family.
CIRM watchdogs like the Center for Genetics and Society say that while the new policies...
More than 10 of the 29 committee members work for or are heavily invested in biomedical companies with some interest in stem cell work. Several others are affiliated with nonprofit institutions doing research on stem cells (see "Celling Out," 4/6/05).
Under the new rules, committee members must disclose all financial interests and then recuse themselves from voting on any decision that involves their employer or "financially benefits the member or the entity he or she represents." They're also forbidden to approve grants that could have a "material financial effect" on their family.
CIRM watchdogs like the Center for Genetics and Society say that while the new policies...