“This is an important step in the right direction to ensure that advanced scientific research will be made available and lead us to finding cures for Parkinson’s and other diseases,” said Amy Comstock, CEO of the Parkinson’s Action Network. “I thank Sen. Frist for his leadership on the stem cell legislation and urge each Senator to join him in support of this vital legislation. Each day that this restrictive policy remains in place is a day lost for science.”

H.R. 810, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in May 2005, would expand current policy to allow for federal dollars to be used for stem cell research on donated embryos from fertility clinic patients. This legislation also specifies strict ethical guidelines. The stem cells may only be derived from In Vetro Fertilization (IVF)-created embryos. The couple must provide written consent and would not receive any compensation.

The current Administration policy states that federal funds may only be used for research on embryonic stem cell cultures created prior to August 9, 2001.

H.R. 810 will be considered as a “package” of stem cell research bills, including S. 2754, Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act and S. 3504, the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006. Under the agreement, amendments will not be permitted and each bill will have a separate vote.

More than 120 million Americans suffer from chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, ALS, osteoporosis and spinal cord injuries. Medical researchers have discovered that many diseases and injuries could potentially be treated or cured by new regenerative medicine therapies involving stem cells.

The exact date of Senate consideration is still unclear, but according to Frist, will likely be considered prior to Congress breaking for its August district work period.

Founded in 1991, PAN is the unified education and advocacy voice of the Parkinson’s community—over one million Americans and their families. Through education and interaction with the Parkinson’s community, scientists, lawmakers, opinion leaders, and the public, PAN fights for a cure by increasing awareness about Parkinson’s disease and seeks increased federal support for Parkinson’s research. For more information on the Parkinson’s Action Network, please visit www.parkinsonsaction.org or call 1-800-850-4726.