Funding for Adult Stem Cell Research Advances

Lawmakers unanimously voted today to provide more than $1 million for adult stem cell research that does not involve embryo destruction.

House Joint Resolution 1035, by state Rep. John Enns, would send a constitutional amendment to a vote of the people that would allow 10 percent of the interest earnings on the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund to be used for adult stem cell research.

“Adult stem cell therapies may hold the cures for many diseases – Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, heart failure, cancers – and there are already nearly 70 research treatments that use adult stem cells,” said Enns, R-Enid. “By focusing on this promising research, Oklahoma can attract new businesses, create new high-paying jobs, potentially save lives, and do it all without the ethical compromises required by funding embryonic stem cell research.”

Because stem cells have the potential, under suitable conditions, to develop into almost all types of cells, there is wide interest in potential research applications. There are two main types of stem cells used in research – adult stem cells obtained without loss of life, and embryonic stem cells, obtained through the destruction of embryos.

Last year, the Legislature approved the “Advancement in Stem Cell Cures and Therapies Act” (also authored by Rep. Enns) that authorized state funding and support for stem cell research so long as that research is conducted “without the use of a human embryo.”

“Adult stem cell therapies are already showing great promise and are being employed successfully in clinical trials,” said Enns, who holds a bachelor’s in natural science, biology and chemistry. “In comparison, embryonic stem cells are notorious for turning into tumors in test subjects. I believe the smart money is in adult stem cell research and want Oklahoma to be at the forefront of that growing industry.”

Last year, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund generated more than $15.8 million in interest earnings. Enns wants 10 percent of those earnings designated for adult stem cell research in the future, providing more than a million dollars in annual appropriations for research every year.

Enns, who previously taught college courses on microbiology, was in an accident several years ago that confined him to a wheelchair, making him a potential recipient of future stem cell therapies.

“Local research institutions have already told me that state funding will also draw private investment to Oklahoma,” Enns said. “Private funding combined with state funding will draw brainpower. And drawing brainpower will draw results.”

House Joint Resolution 1035 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 99-0 vote today. It now proceeds to the state Senate.