NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) today hailed the passage of the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative -- also known as Proposition 71 -- which establishes a long-term funding mechanism for embryonic stem cell research, a promising field of medical research that may one day lead to new treatments and therapies for a host of diseases including juvenile diabetes. JDRF contributed $1 million in support of Proposition 71, and the organization's volunteers played a crucial role in promoting the initiative.
"We applaud the loud and clear message that Californians sent throughout their state and across the country today by their support for Proposition 71," said JDRF President and CEO Peter Van Etten. "We are thrilled with the broad and deep support this initiative generated in the state, which mirrors the excitement people feel for this field across the country. The national debate on stem cell research now moves back to Washington with significant momentum to expand the federal policy."
Stem cells are "unspecialized" cells that have the ability to generate healthy new cells, tissues and organs. As a result, they have the potential to provide cures or new treatments for many diseases and injuries. Three new studies using embryonic stem cells produced encouraging results regarding their potential for treating disease. One experiment involved employing human cells as "biological pacemakers" to correct faulty heart rhythms. In another study, scientists showed for the first time that human stem cells could turn into eye cells crucial to vision. The third experiment suggests that embryonic stem cells produce healing compounds that can help ailing organs repair themselves.
"Today's developments in California are very promising for the field of stem cell research, but for the field to realize it's true potential it needs the full support of the federal government," added Mr. Van Etten. "We are hopeful that a fresh federal approach will come soon, either by an act of Congress or through an expansion of the White House policy governing this field."
JDRF (http://www.jdrf.org/) was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes -- a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $800 million to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and education about research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundationCONTACT: Peter Cleary, National Director of Media Relations+1-212-479-7553, or Cell +1-917-698-8779
Web site: http://www.jdrf.org/