RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS, HOSPITALS, UNIVERSITIES, PATIENT ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS FILE AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF CIRM AND A SWIFT RESOLUTION OF LAWSUIT Astronaut and Scientist Buzz Aldrin Backs Stem Cell Research in California

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today some of the most notable institutions and patient advocacy organizations from throughout the state and the country filed an amicus brief to support the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s motion advocating a quick dismissal of a lawsuit which is obstructing the agency from funding its research. Both the motion and the amicus brief were filed in Alameda County Superior Court today.

Supporters of the amicus brief gathered at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to sign a declaration of support for Proposition 71.

“Childrens Hospital Los Angeles remains committed to finding the best means to treat the sickest and most seriously injured children,” said CEO Walter W. Noce, Jr. “Stem cell research provides us with a unique opportunity to find the means to prevent, treat and cure disease, and we were pleased to be among those institutions approved for CIRM training grants. Legal challenges to the thoughtful practice of stem cell research only serve to delay this invaluable science that could improve the lives of millions of people throughout the world.”

“If the United States of America could unleash its science and put mankind on the moon, then we can certainly put those powers to good use again and serve those suffering from chronic diseases and injury here on earth,” said Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

“Seven million Californians passed Proposition 71, and the esteemed organizations supporting us here today underscore the state’s will to fund stem cell research,” said Bob Klein, chairman of the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee. “The organizations behind this lawsuit represent an ideologically motivated minority that is stymieing the decision of California voters.”

Signers and supporters of the amicus brief ask the judge to dismiss the lawsuit and allow the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to fund stem cell research. Amici include: 

  • Alliance for Aging Research
  •  Alliance for Stem Cell Research
  •  ALS Association
  • Alzheimer’s Association, CA Council
  •  California Institute of Technology
  •  Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
  •  Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  •  Children’s Hospital & Research Center at Oakland
  • Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
  •  Christopher Reeve Foundation
  •  City of Hope
  •  Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc.
  •  Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
  •  Keck Graduate Institute
  •  Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
  • National Brain Tumor Foundation
  •  National Multiple Sclerosis Society
  • Parkinson’s Action Network
  • Paul Berg, Nobel Laureate
  •  Salk Institute of Biological Studies
  •  San Francisco AIDS Foundation
  •  Southern California Biomedical Council
  •  Stanford University
  • The Burnham Institute
  • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  •  University of Southern California

About CIRM CIRM was established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative. The institute is responsible for disbursing $3 billion in State funds for stem cell research to California universities and research institutions over the next ten years and is overseen and governed by the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee (ICOC). For more information, please visit: www.cirm.ca.gov

 

 

CIRM Contact: Nicole Pagano
  (415) 396-9100