The FDA's recent approval of the world's first clinical trial of human embryonic stem cells has been praised by scientists and students alike.
Experts at Penn say the approval is a step in the right direction and are hopeful that the federal government will fund similar trials in the future.
Embryonic stem cells, which can turn into any type of human tissue, are expected to be used in the treatment of various diseases, including chronic injuries and Parkinson's disease.
The first clinical trial will be conducted by Geron Corporation, located in California.
Arthur Caplan, director of Penn's Center for Bioethics, said the FDA's clearance is "a very positive sign."
However, he warned that it's only the beginning of progress in stem cell research.
"The company is very positive, but we are still early in the research process," he said. "It's not really appropriate to talk yet about treating anyone or someone having benefit."
He expects that the company will be careful not to promise more than it can deliver right now.
"It is going to take years to develop therapies" for spinal cord injuries, Caplan said, adding that he doesn't want to give patients false hope.
College junior Steven Wang, who works in the lab of Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor and Stem Cell Institute Director John Gearhart, agreed.
"Although it's a big step for a stem cell research, people should realize that there is a lot more work to be done," he said. "Government should also continue funding for embryonic stem cell research."
It is still unclear whether Penn will benefit from the approval.
"For Penn, the bigger issue will be whether federal government will put money into the study," Caplan said. "Penn is waiting to see whether federal funds will be released to pay for this kind of research."
However, hope still remains for the future.
"Given the new administration, there will be a lot of changes, since Obama has promised to lift up previously banned stem cell research and increase National Institutes of Health funding for embryonic stem-cell research," said Wang. "Penn has tried to expand stem cell research. Penn will be greatly affected."
In the meantime, Geron Corporation has begun planning its clinical trial, which is expected to start by as early as this summer.
Thomas Okarma, Geron Corporation's president and CEO, stressed the importance of the approval.
"This marks the beginning of what is potentially a new chapter in medical therapeutics - one that reaches beyond pills to a new level of healing," he said in a press release.
Public funding of stem cell research has been restricted since 2001. During his time in office, former President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would support embryonic stem cell research.
The trial's therapy will involve people with spinal cord injuries. The patients will receive stem-cell injections fewer than two weeks after they are injured.
Geron Corporation will analyze not only the safety of the injection, but also how the patient's condition improves after the injection has been administered.
Richard Fessler, a professor of neurological surgery at the at Northwestern University's medical school, said in a press release, "if safe and effective, the therapy would provide a viable treatment option for thousands of patients who suffer severe spinal cord injuries each year."
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