There has been a long and winding road for a lawsuit against federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (ESCR).
The latest phase was an appeal by the plaintiffs (those suing the government to stop federal funding of ESCR) to a U.S. Appeals Court of a decision that went against them in the D.C. Court of Appeals.
Today, in great news for the stem cell field and patients everywhere, the U.S. Appeals Court reject the appeal and ruled that federal funding of ESCR is probably legal.
I’m pleasantly surprised.
The actual ruling can be read here (PDF).
The case, Sherley v. Sebelius, had attracted major attention and the stem cell field was gloomy about the case considering the relatively conservative makeup of the three-judge panel handling the appeal.
The plaintiffs, Drs. James Sherley and Theresa Deisher, are anti-ESCR extremists trying to force their viewpoint on all scientists and the American people.
Today’s court ruling is more than anything a victory for patients who may be helped by ESCR-based regenerative medicine therapies in coming years.
The plaintiffs are certain to appeal to the Supreme Court, which may or may not choose to hear the case.
Paul,
There is vast range of speculation on ICell from this is really positive to no big deal for ACT. Can you provide your professional opinion here as to the implications of this ruling to stem cell companies, specifically ACT?
Thanks,
Chris