First Government-Approved Embryonic Stem Cell Trial Stopped in Its Tracks By Economy
Human Embryonic Stem Cells Wellcome Images The first company to start human clinical trials using embryonic stem cells is quitting the project and laying off more than a third of its staff. Geron Corp. said it is discontinuing its FDA-approved stem cell test and turning its focus to cancer treatment instead. The news is a blow to advocates of embryonic stem cells as a potential treatment for a wide range of ailments. The trial, which started last fall, was progressing nicely, according to Geron's own statements as of October - four patients had received treatment so far with no negative side effects. But Geron could not continue the research "In the current environment of capital scarcity and uncertain economic conditions," John A. Scarlett, Geron's chief executive officer, said in a statement Monday afternoon. The clinical trial aimed to demonstrate the safety of embryonic stem cells as a potential treatment for...