Stem cell scientist fears politics could block research

Small Business Times

The University of Wisconsin's status as a world-class biomedical research center could be jeopardized if a conservative Republican becomes governor of the state in November, according to Dr. James Thomson, who was the first scientist to isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells in 1998.

Thomson praised Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle as a "visionary" and a long-time supporter of science and technology advancements in Wisconsin.

Thomson assessed the political outlook for the biomedical industry after speaking at the BIO 2006 convention in Chicago Monday. BIO 2006 is the world's largest biotechnology conference, attracting 20,000 people from 60 countries.

Thomson told the crowd to think back to the early 1970s when there was social controversy over gene therapy, which was later resolved and accepted by legislation. Thomson predicted that the same is happening today with stem cell research.

Legislation is taking longer than in the 1970s, but Thomson believes stem cell research ultimately will be socially accepted and will help scientists find cures for many diseases.

"Now we have the whole human genome. We don't know what it all means," Thomson said. "We need access to the tissues of the human body to dissect them and find out what it means. And what human embryonic stem cells give us is unlimited access to all of the building blocks of the body … I think there is going to be surprising parallel between human embryonic stem cells and recombinant DNA technology."

Wisconsin biotechnology firms contribute nearly $7 billion to the state's economy and account for more than 22,000 jobs in the state, Doyle said.

Dr. Gabriela Cesar, who is originally from Brazil and left Pfizer to work on stem cell research for the U.W. in Madison, said, "For such a controversial area, it is imperative that we have a positive environment and that our population understands that ultimately, our goal is to benefit people … We have what many only dream of. We are going to sustain our leadership in the stem cell research area and we are going to leverage all of our achievements into business development. We want to generate job opportunities, we want to generate revenue for the state and we want to benefit unmet medical needs."

Doyle is leading a prominent Wisconsin contingent at BIO 2006. The state spent nearly $270,000 this year to establish its pavilion at the conference at the McCormick Place Convention Center.

"In Wisconsin, it seems to be pretty simple," Doyle said. "We have the opportunity to build a major sector of our economy around helping people live healthier and better lives in this country and in this world. And it does not get much better than that."

Also at the BIO 2006, the Wisconsin Technology Council unveiled a wall poster detailing more than 100 of Wisconsin's most notable inventions and innovations. Entitled "Innovative history; inspiring future: Wisconsin's technology and entrepreneurial milestones," the poster reinforces Wisconsin's long history as a state on the cutting edge of technological advancement and entrepreneurism, according to Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council.

The poster details Wisconsin "firsts" that have occurred throughout the state's history beginning with George Esterly's 1844 invention of the harvesting machine in Janesville. Other inventors and inventions which are listed on the poster include: Christopher Latham Sholes, who invented the typewriter; Harry Steenbock, whose lab work helped cure rickets; Les Paul, who invented the electric guitar; Conrad Elvehjem, who discovered niacin; Larry Landweber, who contributed to the development of the Internet; and Thomson.

"The poster illustrates how Wisconsin has always been on the forefront of research, innovation and invention," Still said. "While Wisconsin has long been recognized as a leader in agriculture, fewer people realize that Wisconsin scientists are among the world's most skilled in such fields as biomedical engineering, nanotechnology and molecular biology. Our base of discovery continues to pay dividends – and lead to more innovation."

Contributions from Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, the University Research Park and Mason Wells Private Equity are enabling the Technology Council to distribute the poster at BIO 2006.