Stem cell research legislation
moves to Senate      

[JUNE 3, 2005]  NEW YORK -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's leading charitable supporter of research on type 1 diabetes and its complications, applauded the historic vote on May 24 to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research with the passage of House Resolution 810, the Castle-DeGette Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.

"The passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act marks an important milestone in the drive to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and related complications," said Peter Van Etten, president and chief executive officer of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. "While nobody knows where the next generation of treatments and therapies for type 1 diabetes will come from, today's actions send a loud and clear signal that this field of research should be fully explored. I hope that the Senate, where stem cell research also enjoys strong bipartisan support, will act quickly on its version of the legislation to expand federal support for this rapidly emerging field of research."

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation believes that the entire field of regenerative medicine, including embryonic stem cell research, offers tremendous hope for the millions of people who suffer from chronic, debilitating and life-threatening diseases.  The foundation, along with other patient and medical research groups, will continue to advocate ethical, responsible government policies that reflect the wishes of a large majority of Americans.

"I am confident, that as that large majority of public support grows and exciting research breakthroughs continue to be announced, that we will enact policies that re-establish the United States as the world leader in medical research," Van Etten said.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation made the passage of House Resolution 810 a top legislative priority for the year.

"I'd like to salute the tireless efforts of our thousands of grass-roots activists from around the country who met with their elected officials and stayed in close contact with them to ensure the positive conclusion of today's historic vote," Van Etten said on the May 24 passage. "Their enthusiasm and commitment to work with legislators to speed the discovery of cures for themselves and their loved ones is both admirable and heartening, as we explore a wide range of scientific opportunities in our search for a cure." 

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 (juvenile) diabetes -- a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, the foundation has provided more than $800 million to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of the foundation's expenditures directly support research and education about research. The mission of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

[Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation news release]