In fact, at just one of the U.S.-based research centers we’ve spoken with, there are all kinds of disorders and illnesses that stem cells are being used to investigate for cures:

The National Center for Regenerative Medicine’s research focuses on cancer, heart disease, diseases of the brain and nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, musculoskeletal and orthopedics diseases or disorders, such as bone fractures and muscular dystrophy, and other genetic disorders.

Continuing research conducted by NCRM investigators includes:

* Exploring the use of stem cells from the umbilical cords of newborn babies as a new effective source for cell transplantation for thousands of leukemia patients who would have no other treatment option.

* Investigating the regeneration of neurons (nerve cells) and other nervous system cells for the potential treatment of spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

* Defining treatments using non-embryonic stem cells to grow new blood vessels to replace damaged ones, and having the potential to augment conventional therapies such as artery bypass grafting and angioplasty.

* Studying the use of non-embryonic stem cells to treat musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by degeneration or traumatic damage of bones and cartilage, including degenerative joint disease, complex bone fractures, dental disease, and severe skin disorders.

British scientists are emulating a similar study done at the University of Pennsylvania where researchers demonstrated that gene therapy used to restore retinal activity to the blind also restores function to the brain’s visual center, a critical component of seeing. If the therapy is successful it could have an enormous impact on the visually impaired community. According to Sonal Rughani, Senior Adviser and Optometrist from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, “We look forward to further positive developments in this area of work that could potentially bring hope to many people who have lost their sight as the result of corneal blindness.”

Stem cell therapy for blindness is most effective on children afflicted with blindness. To learn more about one child’s stem cell infusion therapy, check out the following video:

The National Center for Regenerative Medicine leverages the capabilities of its partner institutions — Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals Case Medical Center — to provide a comprehensive approach, from basic through clinical research, in developing innovative adult stem cell and tissue engineering therapies for patients suffering from chronic and debilitating diseases.

Michael Gilkey is the Marketing and Operations Manager for NCRM and assists in the development and execution of organizational strategy, planning and execution of both external and internal marketing efforts, facilitates business development and creation with Center members, and provides administrative and operational support. Michael Gilkey earned two degrees from Case Western Reserve University. The first was a MS in Biomedical Engineering and the second was a MBA with concentrations in Bioscience Entrepreneurship and Marketing. He also has a BS in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University.

Back in 2002, Genentech released some surprising results… showing that treating a heart attack patient early with TNKase – otherwise known as the “clot dissolver” – was important to a patient’s recovery. Their study proved that early treatment of acute heart attacks with an in-ambulance injection of the clot dissolver showed a significant improvement in recovery. A few years later, came the Vescell stem cell therapy that restores blood flow to the heart.

Already this year, researchers found myriad distinctive differences in people’s genes, which likely affect cholesterol & metabolism levels. Their findings could help with determining an individual’s genetic risk of heart disease, as well as lead to a better understanding of cholesterol metabolism and possibly to the discovery of novel new cholesterol-lowering drugs. Then in September, we discovered a way to produce human heart tissue using your heart’s own stem cells – giving us the ability to grow hearts in the future.

And in 2008, we have at least 25 new biotech-based cardiovascular drugs in review with the FDA. Everything from the Mydicar gene therapy for congestive heart failure to the MLN-1202 mAb for atherosclerosis is represented in this list that provides so much hope for cardiovascular patients around the world.

In other words, biotech is a rapidly growing field – solving so many of the medical puzzles we’ve grappled with for so long. By understanding our body’s own building blocks, we are uncovering new, targeted, personalized medicines that correct malfunctioning cells without harming healthy ones. Just think… if even five of the clinical trials are successful, that’s five new life-saving treatments to choose from… and that’s in the area of cardiovascular research alone. In all, there are 633 treatments being studied in trials right now. Utterly remarkable.

Next week, please watch for a live blog event here on Thursday at 10pm EST, while we blog during the show – and invite comments & participation!!

For more information on heart disease and treatment options, please click here.

Reproductive cloning, on the other hand, implants a cloned embryo into a woman’s uterus, bringing the embryo to pregnancy. This practice is opposed by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, patient advocacy groups, leading scientists, the National Academy of Sciences and an overwhelming majority of Americans. Scientists understand that reproductive cloning is unsafe for the mother as well as the fetus. It also would almost certainly produce such a backlash that all their hard work to cure diseases using SCNT would be tarnished and potentially outlawed.

Some argue that new technologies such as SCNT start us down a “slippery slope” that will lead to reproductive cloning – or that rogue scientists could begin cloning in underground labs. This is currently illegal and virtually impossible scientifically. We know of no scientist attempting reproductive cloning.

In fact, federal law is very clear that all clinical research must be reviewed by an independent board to ensure that it meets the highest ethical standards. The US Food and Drug Administration reviews all clinical experiments involving humans. In other words, there is strong oversight to make sure reproductive cloning does not happen.

Implanting a cloned embryo into a womb to create a human being is a clear, undisputed illegal act. It is where we as scientists and the rest of society draw the line.

For more information please visit:

BIO’s fact sheets on animal cloning

“What 40 Nobel Laureates Say About Cloning“

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

The National Institute of Health’s Stem Cell Information Page

Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Stem Cells at the National Academies of Science

Information on Livestock Cloning