Posted on 04/18/2009 9:44:59 PM PDT by chevydude26
BRITISH scientists have developed the world’s first stem cell therapy to cure the most common cause of blindness. Surgeons predict it will become a routine, one-hour procedure that will be generally available in six or seven years’ time.
The treatment involves replacing a layer of degenerated cells with new ones created from embryonic stem cells. It was pioneered by scientists and surgeons from the Institute of Ophthalmology at University College London and Moorfields eye hospital.
This week Pfizer, the world’s largest pharmaceutical research company, will announce its financial backing to bring the therapy to patients.
The treatment will tackle age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of blindness. It affects more than 500,000 Britons and the number is forecast to increase significantly as people live longer. The disease involves the loss of eye cells.
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Your posts would indicate that the “breakthrough” is indeed for non-embryonic stem cells. Two of the posts do not mention what type of stem cell is being employed. The one post which is specific states that the Chinese are using Umbilical stem cells not embryonic stem cells. This is not an ethical controversy. It is a science controversy. If anyone is able to cure people with umbilical stem cells, then more power to them!
Sorry: I was mostly replying to the other commenters who were sahing the science behind stem cell treatments for blindness (embryonic or not) was impossible.
No need to be sorry. You brought some interesting posts to the party! I have a couple of relatives who have been stricken with blindness and my wife worries about her own possible predisposition for macular degeneration.
However, it would have been clearer if you had replied directly to those “commenter” who dissed stem cell cures for blindness.
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