Texas Can Become Center for Regenerative Medicine

Gov. Rick Perry today highlighted Texas leading role in the advancement of regenerative medicine to produce safe, effective and ethical adult stem cell therapies. The governor spoke at the inaugural Houston Stem Cell Summit, which focuses on adult stem cell research and its potential to tackle life-threatening diseases.

Im proud Texas is playing a key role in the advancement of adult stem cell research and therapies, both of which are promising for patients and our economy, Gov. Perry said. This conference represents another step in the growth of this industry that I hope and expect will be centered right here in the Lone Star State.

Texas has taken clear steps to advance research in ethical regenerative medicine as quickly and safely as possible, while protecting patients receiving these treatments in the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature, Texas Medical Board and Texas Department of Health and Human Services set up a regulatory framework to guide companies, institutions and physicians collaborating to produce effective stem cell research.

Additionally, Texas continues to attract top researchers in biotechnology and regenerative medicine thanks to our commitment to investing in the technologies of the future through the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). CPRIT has funded 427 awards totaling more than $756 million for cancer research, commercialization and prevention in academic institutions, non-profit organizations and private companies. The TETF has invested more than $180 million in grant-matching and research superiority funds in Texas universities, and more than $194 million in 137 early-stage companies, with more than $103 million of that going directly to biotechnology and life science companies.

Texas researchers have also received more than $52 million in National Institute of Health (NIH) funding in 2009 for adult stem cell studies. These grants have resulted in the Austin Heart Hospital successfully treating heart attack patients with adult stem cells, and success in treating spinal cord injuries and a variety of heart conditions.

The Houston Stem Cell Summit highlights the latest research and breakthroughs regarding the use of adult stem and progenitor cell therapies. The summit covers all aspects of emerging stem cell therapies including the latest in peer reviewed academic stem cell research, breakthroughs in adult stem cell therapies, patient experiences, the business of stem cell therapies and the evolving regulatory environment for stem cell therapies. For more information, please visit http://www.stemcellsummit.com/houston/. To view the governors full remarks, please visit http://governor.state.tx.us/news/speech/17803/

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Texas Can Become Center for Regenerative Medicine