The $3 billion research fund for Stem Cell research doled out last 2004 is obviously running out. Scientists are afraid that depletion could happen before actual tests. California voters decided to venture in this move towards finding cures for ailments like Parkinson's disease and spinal injuries. Looks like voters are in to infuse more money to continue the research with continuity.
Stem Cell research funds are now in its last $650 million, and scientists are urging Californians to chip in some more or researchers and scientific teams might be stalled from what they are doing. The 2004 fund is one of the biggest state funding on record, and it is about to run out.
There was an influx of scientific researchers from biologists to professions related to this study to the State of California. Jonathan Thomas, chairman of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) expresses concern over the situation of stranding the collective data with their ready applications of stem cell research and testing, as reported by Nature.
Californians agreed to invest in the promising healing properties of Stem Cells. The move was known as Proposition 71, leading to a creation of a corporation which is CIRM. This action was in response to then President George Bush in 2001 disallowing federal funding to human embryonic stem cell research.
The first payout of funds was released two years later after its creation. There were 750 projects that followed and encouraging results were obtained. Last month, results of tests done to ten children with severe immunodeficiency diseases were released. This deficiency is commonly called the "bubble boy" syndrome and was partially funded by CIRM. After eight years, nine out of ten children grew up free of the bubble boy syndrome and could make out on their own without the need for injections or boosters, reports the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
To maximize the $650 million funds left, CIRM partnered with a North Carolina-based organization called QuintilesIMS in Durham. This organization will aid CIRM in its 40 novel trials and applications on Stem Cells towards 2020.
A group that calls themselves Americans for Cures led by Bob Kleine is rallying voters to dole out another round of payout to the tune of $5 billion. Kleine is one of those who led the establishment of CIRM. It looks like that 70% of Californians are willing to do just that.
