The founder of international biotechnology company Theravitae, Mr. Don Margolis, has had enough of what he calls “deceit and deception” emanating from embryonic stem cell supporters. Don exclaims “Pick any newspaper or magazine article about embryonic stem cells and you will see the word ‘potential’ – as in it isn’t working now. Well, we have something that is working and saving lives NOW and it is the adult stem cells. We are treating heart patients with their own adult stem cells with great success. Why do we never hear anything about that?”
Margolis expresses delight that President George Bush states he will veto the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.5) which would allow federal funding for research using stem cells derived from human embryos. Margolis believes that more resources need to be devoted to adult stem cells and believes that federal funding for more embryonic cell research is a waste of time and a misuse of taxpayer money. “Why should my money, not to mention billions of dollars from the public be spent on something that simply doesn’t work? We need a bill that will give adult stem cell research the attention and money that it deserves.”
Margolis believes that adult stem cells are already winning the private funding battle. “For every embryonic stem cell company that pops up, there are at least 20 adult stem cell companies that are being privately funded like my own from venture capitalists” Margolis thinks private investors will go where there is promise of future success and riches. “That is why embryonic stem cell research needs public funding, no private investors are willing to shell out millions for something that so far has showed very little promise.” “Show me just one example where embryonic stem cells have helped someone.” He stated.
To date, Theravitae, the company he founded has treated over 200 heart disease patients. “This adult stem cell therapy has already saved and improved the lives of most of those patients.” The company’s successful clinical trial was presented at the annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions last year in Chicago and the company is planning to develop more adult stem cell therapies for other conditions in the near future.
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