Early Translational I There are millions of people in California
who will benefit from the development of cell therapies for the
treatment of diabetes, neurological disease, heart disease and
other degenerative diseases. Because of their enormous
developmental potential, pluripotent stem cells, which include
embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent cells, are
considered to be a valuable source for the specific cell types
required for cell therapies. A tremendous amount of effort has
already been invested in developing stem cell-based therapies,
and the first clinical tests of these therapies are expected to
begin within a year. Under the regulations of the FDA, the first
trials will be “Phase 1”, or safety trials, to determine whether
the cells have any negative effects. Only after the safety of
the cells has been assured can further tests be performed to
determined whether the cells provide medical benefit. The FDA
has major concerns about the use of pluripotent stem cell-based
therapies, and will requir