Embryonic Stem Cell Research is Alive and Well in New Jersey--Sort Of
Stemcyte, a Taiwan-based company engaged in embryonic stem cell research announced yesterday that it would locate its East Coast operations in NJ. The company already has a research facility in California and is establishing operations in India. Earlier this year, Stemcyte inked a deal with Rutgers University to provide financial support and embryonic stems cells for research conducted by Dr. Wise Young, a long time spinal cord injury researcher and champion of embryonic stem cell research. New Jersey induced Stemcyte to locate its facility in the Garden State by offering the company $589,000 in business development incentive grants. The new facility is expected to create new jobs and initially employ about 12 people.
This is a small but significant step in New Jersey’s quest to establish itself as leader in embryonic stem cell research. As many of you may know, last fall, New Jersey voters defeated a statewide referendum that would have allowed the State to spend almost $500 million on embryonic stem cell research initiatives. California passed similar legislation several years ago.
The defeat had little to do with the ethics or morality and everything to do with the oppressive property taxes in New Jersey. In case you’re wondering, New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US! Many voters simply didn’t want the State to increase its already staggering debt to borrow more money to fund stem cell research (and raise property taxes).
After the announcement, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, and former head of the investment firm Goldman Sachs, suggested that he is considering reinstating the referendum for a second vote. However, he noted “not until the economy shows some improvement”.
Until next time…
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting!!!!!!!!!!
t to discuss scientific considerations for safety testing for cellular therapy products derived from human embryonic stem cells. , the committee will meet to discuss updates on the following topics: (1) Research management related to the September 29, 2005, review of research programs of the Office of Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research; (2) 's Somatic Cell Therapy Letter; and (3) recently released FDA guidance documents." 
