Statement from the International Stem Cell Forum

Members of the International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) meeting today in San Francisco issued the following statement:

 The ISCF supports stem cell research using both human embryonic and adult stem cells. The Forum also recognises that the demonstration of human induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells opens up an exciting area of stem cell research. The technology is at a very early stage however and many questions remain unanswered such as the functional relationship of iPS cells to human embryonic stem cells, both of which are important to moving the entire field of stem cell research toward application and clinical therapies.

  About the International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) The International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) is made up of twenty one funders of stem cell research from around the world. It was founded in January 2003 to encourage international collaboration and funding support for stem cell research, with the overall aim of promoting global good practice and accelerating progress in this vitally important area of biomedical science. The Forum’s long-term aim is to help stem cell scientists achieve a range of revolutionary medical advances that will benefit people throughout the world.

  For more information:

Press Office
Medical Research Council (UK)
44 20 7637 6011

Ellen Rose
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
415 396 9240