Comments on: China and Stem Cell Research http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/china-and-stem-cell-research/ The MBA Graduate Program at Cal Poly Tue, 22 May 2012 00:38:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Andrew Welborn http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/china-and-stem-cell-research/#comment-12524 Andrew Welborn Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:37:04 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1688#comment-12524 Stem cell usage to treat disorders and injuries is a very controversial topic here in the U.S., but seems to have found a more understanding home in China. There have always been a lot of hype surrounding stem cells and the Chinese research seems no different. I completely agree with the assessment that there needs to be a full study performed by scientific means before people jump to conclusions about the specific merits of this therapy, which seems to be missing in China. India appears to be taking a more cautious calculated approach, which is much more commendable. Indian firms are following the scientific method to determine the usefulness of these cells and are not marketing any procedures for profit. To me, this system is more credible and will have better long lasting results, than the for profit, no holds barred, therapy in China. There is no doubt that stem cells have the potential to benefit many disorders, but without performing a test, there is no certainty of their effects and if they have any side effects. This is an important step no matter what country is performing the research and therapy. To me the Chinese firm is acting without moral regard for human life by not taking these concerns into consideration. Their claims may be true, but without substantial evidence, the procedures seem more controversial than the research. The government may mean well by providing funding, but it is unclear what the purpose of this funding is and how it is directed. As far as what is ethical or unethical about stem cells, there is no easy answer. If the cells come from a willing and able donor and are not a source of profit, I think that the research is ethical. When money becomes involved with the donor or researcher that is where ethical issues begin to arise. Stem cell usage to treat disorders and injuries is a very controversial topic here in the U.S., but seems to have found a more understanding home in China. There have always been a lot of hype surrounding stem cells and the Chinese research seems no different. I completely agree with the assessment that there needs to be a full study performed by scientific means before people jump to conclusions about the specific merits of this therapy, which seems to be missing in China. India appears to be taking a more cautious calculated approach, which is much more commendable. Indian firms are following the scientific method to determine the usefulness of these cells and are not marketing any procedures for profit. To me, this system is more credible and will have better long lasting results, than the for profit, no holds barred, therapy in China.

There is no doubt that stem cells have the potential to benefit many disorders, but without performing a test, there is no certainty of their effects and if they have any side effects. This is an important step no matter what country is performing the research and therapy. To me the Chinese firm is acting without moral regard for human life by not taking these concerns into consideration. Their claims may be true, but without substantial evidence, the procedures seem more controversial than the research. The government may mean well by providing funding, but it is unclear what the purpose of this funding is and how it is directed.

As far as what is ethical or unethical about stem cells, there is no easy answer. If the cells come from a willing and able donor and are not a source of profit, I think that the research is ethical. When money becomes involved with the donor or researcher that is where ethical issues begin to arise.

]]> By: michael http://calpolymbatrip.com/2009/china/china-and-stem-cell-research/#comment-12275 michael Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:50:31 +0000 http://calpolymbatrip.com/?p=1688#comment-12275 The stem cell 'treatments' offered in China are high tech quack medicine. They are simply a way of cashing in on very desperate people using untested and unproven remedies. If a US company like Pfizer did this they would quite rightly be pilloried and sued out of existence. China is not in any way 'ahead' in stem cell research, onl in stem cell marketing. The stem cell ‘treatments’ offered in China are high tech quack medicine. They are simply a way of cashing in on very desperate people using untested and unproven remedies. If a US company like Pfizer did this they would quite rightly be pilloried and sued out of existence. China is not in any way ‘ahead’ in stem cell research, onl in stem cell marketing.

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