Dr. John Wagner Promotes Stem Cell Research to Congress
Children’s Cancer Research Fund Chief Medical Advisor spoke to Congress about the need for increased funding for stem cell research.
Upon invitation from the office of U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, Children’s Cancer Research Fund Board co-chair Chief Medical Advisor Dr. John Wagner spoke to Congress about the need for increased federal funding for stem cell research. His report, entitled Can Congress Help Fulfill the Promise of Stem Cell Research?, was presented to the Joint Committee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the U.S. Senate Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee.
“This work provides hope to millions of people with disease,” Dr. Wagner said. Adult, cord blood and embryo stem cells need to be explored simultaneously.
Gaps in Federal Funding
Dr. Wagner indicated that many adult stem cell projects are moving into clinical trials. However, it is unrealistic to expect immediate success for any new therapy as it may require several generations of studies.
“Gap funding for Phase I clinical trials continues to be an obstacle to success in stem cell research,” says Wagner. “Currently, the federal grants are too small to complete trials. Researchers must compile several funding sources to move forward.” Children’s Cancer Research Fund is critical in filling the gaps in federal funding in order to continue the University of Minnesota’s research in childhood cancer.
Lawmakers Can Help Move Discoveries to Clinical Trials
According to Dr. Wagner, lawmakers can do several things lawmakers to speed the process of moving laboratory discoveries to clinical trials:
- Understand the research pipeline, how it is funded, and potential obstacles.
- Provide incentives for clinicians and scientists to engage in research.
- Differentiate speculation from fact, as it pertains to stem cells.
About Dr. Wagner
Dr. Wagner serves as the Director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, as well as the Director of the Center of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, at the University of Minnesota. He conducted the world’s first umbilical cord blood transplant for a child with leukemia and is considered a pioneer in this field.
Children's Cancer Research Fund dollars currently support adult stem cell research.