Congress Encouraged to Continue Senator Kennedy's Legacy of Supporting Stem Cell Research & Development
29 Septiembre 2009 - 5:54AM
PR Newswire (US)
Cryo-Cell Inc. CEO Mercedes Walton Hopeful that Momentum on Stem
Cell Initiatives Will Continue OLDSMAR, Fla., Sept. 29
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercedes Walton, CEO of Cryo-Cell
International, a global leader in stem cell innovation, reflects
with gratitude on the late Senator Ted Kennedy's legacy of
championing initiatives for improving the health and well-being of
all Americans, and with hope for the future that the momentum will
continue. Senator Kennedy's commitment to keeping the United States
at the forefront of health research and innovation is far-reaching
and affects many different aspects of health and human services
around the country. One area in particular which experienced great
strides during Senator Kennedy's 47-year Senate tenure was the
field of stem cell research and development aimed to diagnose and
treat diseases. Thanks in part to his passionate support, stem
cells from umbilical cord treat more than 75 diseases today,
including sickle cell disease, several types of acute and chronic
leukemias, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Emerging
science shows great promise for potential treatments including
spinal cord injury, heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes,
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and many more. Among the
many examples of Senator Kennedy's commitment to biomedical
research include his sponsorship of the National Institutes of
Health Revitalization Act of 1993 and its reauthorization in 2003.
These acts provided resources and funding for medical research. The
NIH reports that there are more than 2,700 clinical trials underway
today which utilize stem cells in some way. Another example is
Senator Kennedy's strong support of the Hematological Cancer
Investment Research and Education Act of 2001. This bill increased
research and education on blood cancers, including leukemia,
lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Today, stem cells from cord blood
treat several of these types of cancers, including four types of
acute leukemias and four types of chronic leukemias. Regarding stem
cell research, Senator Kennedy said in his statement opening the
110th Congress: "The debate on stem cells touches the spirit of
every [sic] Americans because it's about hope. Hope is what stem
cell research means to millions of Americans who seek better
treatments and better drugs for cancer, diabetes, spinal injury,
and many other serious [sic] illness. In this new century of the
life sciences, we see benefits of discovery all around us. Leading
scientists agree that the potential of stem cell research is
extraordinary. We should stop delaying the hope and the help that
stem cell research can bring." While much of the debate and
controversy surrounding stem cell research focuses on embryonic
stem cells, the community which leverages less controversial stem
cells - such as those from umbilical cord blood and even menstrual
blood - benefits nonetheless. These areas are able to make great
progress as a result of the ongoing discoveries and developments
across the stem cell arena. "Senator Kennedy was a true champion of
all causes related to human rights, civil rights, and protecting
the environment," said Walton. "I encourage our nation's lawmakers
to keep firmly in their sights and their priorities the issues
related to stem cell research and development, including H.R. 1718
and H.R. 2107," she added. H.R. 1718, the "Family Cord Blood
Banking Act," and H.R. 2107, the "Cord Blood Education and
Awareness Act of 2009" would enable and promote continued research,
public awareness and tax benefits related to storing and using cord
blood. "It is important that these initiatives be reinvigorated and
passed, to help ensure that Americans have information and
incentive to harness the potential miracles that stem cells offer,"
said Walton. A pioneer in the non-controversial stem cell arena,
Cryo-Cell has served nearly 185,000 clients worldwide and led the
cord blood banking industry with the successful establishment of a
state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice/Good Tissue Practice
(cGMP/cGTP) laboratory processing facility well ahead of emerging
regulation and competition. For more information, or to schedule an
interview with Cryo-Cell International executives, please contact
Monica Kozak at (203) 545-1055; . About Cryo-Cell International,
Inc. (OTCBB: CCEL.OB) Based in Oldsmar, Florida, with nearly
185,000 clients worldwide, Cryo-Cell is a global leader in stem
cell innovation. ISO 9001:2000 certified and accredited by the
AABB, Cryo-Cell operates in a state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing
Practice and Good Tissue Practice (cGMP/cGTP)-compliant facility.
Cryo-Cell is a publicly traded company. OTC Bulletin Board Symbol:
CCEL. For more information, please call 1-800-STOR-CELL
(1-800-786-7235) or visit http://www.cryo-cell.com/. DATASOURCE:
Cryo-Cell International, Inc. CONTACT: Monica Kozak for Cryo-Cell
International, Inc., +1-203-545-1055, Web Site:
http://www.cryo-cell.com/
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