2006D-0383
  

  
 Characterization and Qualification of Cell Substrates and Other Biological Starting Materials Used in the Production of Viral Vaccines for the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

  


  

  

  


  

  


  

  


  

  


  

  


  

  
FDA Comment Number : 
  

  
EC5051
  



  

  
Submitter : 
  

  
Dr. Brian Donnelly
  

  
Date & Time: 
  

  
12/28/2006 09:12:02
  



  

  
Organization : 
  

  
Pediatric Alliance
  



  

  
Category : 
  

  
Health Professional
  



  

  
Issue Areas/Comments 
  


  

  


  

  
GENERAL
  


  

  



  

  
GENERAL
  


  

  



  

  
 As I read report after report in the medical literature about the amazing advances using adult stem cells (and umbilical cord blood stem cells), I find it difficult to understand why the interest in embryonic stem cells persists. Using embryonic stem cells is of theoretical interest, but does not offer anything like the practical advantages that other stem cells offer us. Also, since the embryonic cells are created just to be destroyed, it does not make ethical sense to persist in "strip mining" these cells. When it comes to exploring the frontier that is stem cell research, it is best to utilize adult stem cells and unbilical cord blood.  

 Thank you for considering these comments.