What are the odds of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?

[Bonn1997]

4 years ago this was a big part of the Dems' plans but I haven't heard anyone talk about it lately. I ask because my uncle and father each have a genetic, neurological disorder (spinocerebellar degeneration).

[lapfog_1]

1. The outlook for federal funding for stem cell research is excellent.

It's been mentioned as one of the first executive orders to be issued by President Obama, along with removing the requirement for family planning aid (foreign aid) to exclude mentioning abortion as an option. And contraception will be emphasized. All via executive order and all expected within a day or two from inauguration.

Sorry to hear about your father and uncle. Research results, even after lifting a federal research ban, will be some time in coming. But there has been a great deal of research in the last 8 years on non-embryonic stem cells, hopefully a good deal of that research will complement embryonic stem cell research and results will be here faster and will lead to treatments that can start experimental trials in a few years. Hopefully in time to help your relatives.

[Bonn1997]

2. Thanks...

Ironically, a guest just mentioned it on MSNBC as likely to be one of the first things on Pres Obama's agenda. Yeah, I definitely realize it will take a long time for anything to come from the research. My dad has given up on the idea that it might help him in his life time. He's 58 and may live for another 15 years. The condition shortens your life due to a variety of associated symptoms. I still have some hope that he'll live longer and benefit from stem cell research but I realize that may not happen. He just hopes that there will be major research breakthroughs in the next 20 years--when I reach the age that he and his brother developed symptoms (upper 40s).

[lapfog_1]

3. I don't want to raise your hopes too much

given that I don't have a medical degree.

But, given the research done to date on stem cells of all types, I think we can expect experimental treatments for a range of conditions (injuries and diseases) in less than 10 years. Those trials are likely to last some number of years, but if your father is otherwise healthy, he should push to be included in any upcoming trials. Try to find (if you don't already know) where there is a lab study being done on the specific genetic disorder... and start pushing now (even before there is a drug or therapy to test) to be included in any trial of some potential treatment. It can't hurt. Making a pest of yourself keeps you busy and keeps your name in front of the decision makers.