manouli
10-19-2005, 12:14 PM
TOPIX.NET
New Jersey Creates Blood Bank for Stem Cell Research
By TINA KELLEY
Published: October 18, 2005
Paramus, N.J., Oct. 18 - Continuing his efforts to make New Jersey a leader in stem cell research, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey announced today the creation of what he called the nation's first statewide public bank for umbilical and placental blood, to be used by stem cell researchers and patients in need of transplants.
He also signed an executive order directing state officials to educate doctors and nurses about the medical value of such donations, and to create two pilot programs, in Camden and Paramus, to help new parents donate placental and umbilical cord blood shortly after a baby is born.
Blood from the placenta and umbilical cord contains stem cells that researchers hope can eventually be used to cure diabetes, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as to help patients who have had strokes or spinal cord injuries.
Such cells can take the place of bone marrow transplants, when they are transplanted into people suffering from leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Use of these cells is less controversial than use of embryonic stem cells, which entail the destruction of an embryo.
To donate placenta and umbilical cord blood, parents must sign a consent form and complete a medical history, for use if the cells are later used in transplants or other procedures. The blood must be collected within 24 hours of a birth.
Expectant parents who want more information about how to donate can call 1-866-SAV-CORD (1-800-728 2673)per stylebook.
"More often than not, this rich stem cell source is discarded as medical waste after childbirth, but this holds too much promise to simply destroy," Mr. Codey said in a statement. "This pioneering initiative will enable us to pursue all options - umbilical, placental and embryonic - and let science point the way to stem cell cures, offering hope to the millions of people that suffer from life-threatening conditions.
"This executive order solidifies New Jersey's place at the forefront of scientific technology," he said.
The governor said that the public bank will be part of a comprehensive package of features offered by few other states, like a thriving pharmaceutical and biotech industry, the Stem Cell Institute, dedicated sources of financing for research, and a supportive political environment.
Mr. Codey made the announcement at Community Blood Services of Paramus where he was joined by the commissioner or the Department of Health and Senior Services, Fred M. Jacobs, and other officials.
The pilot programs will be overseen by the Health Department in consultation with the Elie Katz Umbilical Cord Blood Program at Community Blood Services in Paramus and the New Jersey Cornell Institute for Medical Research in Camden.
"This is the beginning of an expanded horizon to bring the promise of stem cell research to the people of the State of New Jersey," Dr. Jacobs, a physician, said in a statement. "The promise of stem cell research is that instead of prescribing medication and rehabilitation for people with heart attacks, strokes, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer's disease, we will cure them."
Maria Newman contributed reporting for this article.
New Jersey Creates Blood Bank for Stem Cell Research
By TINA KELLEY
Published: October 18, 2005
Paramus, N.J., Oct. 18 - Continuing his efforts to make New Jersey a leader in stem cell research, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey announced today the creation of what he called the nation's first statewide public bank for umbilical and placental blood, to be used by stem cell researchers and patients in need of transplants.
He also signed an executive order directing state officials to educate doctors and nurses about the medical value of such donations, and to create two pilot programs, in Camden and Paramus, to help new parents donate placental and umbilical cord blood shortly after a baby is born.
Blood from the placenta and umbilical cord contains stem cells that researchers hope can eventually be used to cure diabetes, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, as well as to help patients who have had strokes or spinal cord injuries.
Such cells can take the place of bone marrow transplants, when they are transplanted into people suffering from leukemia and sickle cell anemia. Use of these cells is less controversial than use of embryonic stem cells, which entail the destruction of an embryo.
To donate placenta and umbilical cord blood, parents must sign a consent form and complete a medical history, for use if the cells are later used in transplants or other procedures. The blood must be collected within 24 hours of a birth.
Expectant parents who want more information about how to donate can call 1-866-SAV-CORD (1-800-728 2673)per stylebook.
"More often than not, this rich stem cell source is discarded as medical waste after childbirth, but this holds too much promise to simply destroy," Mr. Codey said in a statement. "This pioneering initiative will enable us to pursue all options - umbilical, placental and embryonic - and let science point the way to stem cell cures, offering hope to the millions of people that suffer from life-threatening conditions.
"This executive order solidifies New Jersey's place at the forefront of scientific technology," he said.
The governor said that the public bank will be part of a comprehensive package of features offered by few other states, like a thriving pharmaceutical and biotech industry, the Stem Cell Institute, dedicated sources of financing for research, and a supportive political environment.
Mr. Codey made the announcement at Community Blood Services of Paramus where he was joined by the commissioner or the Department of Health and Senior Services, Fred M. Jacobs, and other officials.
The pilot programs will be overseen by the Health Department in consultation with the Elie Katz Umbilical Cord Blood Program at Community Blood Services in Paramus and the New Jersey Cornell Institute for Medical Research in Camden.
"This is the beginning of an expanded horizon to bring the promise of stem cell research to the people of the State of New Jersey," Dr. Jacobs, a physician, said in a statement. "The promise of stem cell research is that instead of prescribing medication and rehabilitation for people with heart attacks, strokes, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer's disease, we will cure them."
Maria Newman contributed reporting for this article.