A new day for stem-cell research

FEDERAL policy on stem-cell research is moving out of the realm of politics and back into the laboratory where it belongs.

The Obama administration this week is approving 33 lines of human embryonic stem cells for use in federally funded experiments. For scientists eager to solve many of medicine's most vexing riddles, it's a bit of the lights coming on and a return to rational science that could help people with numerous ailments.

For all the presidential promises voters may feel have not been fulfilled, Obama kept his word on stem cells. Progress is now possible — in the long term.

The president signed an executive order in March lifting President Bush's highly political restrictions on stem-cell research. The Bush administration allowed federal funding only for study of what became 21 stem-cell lines already in existence. The 21 lines, says Dr. Chuck Murry, professor of pathology and bioengineering at the University of Washington, are highly useful and productive.

The Obama administration made one frustrating mistake by not grandfathering in the 21 lines, which means researchers may have to stall or stop research on those until consent agreements can be verified under new guidelines.

Guidelines approved in July limit funding to lines created from excess fertility clinic embryos obtained ethically. Criteria say couples cannot be offered financial incentives and must be advised embryos would be destroyed for research and be given an option of donating them to other couples.

Even under the new rules, embryonic stem cells still will be created using private funding but federal funding can proceed for research.

In the long run, the new lines are good news for researchers in the fields of heart health, diabetes, Parkinson's and many other ailments. The new lines were approved under conditions better suited for clinical use. Approval of additional lines creates more opportunity to help more patients awaiting help.