January 11, 2007, New York -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the world's largest charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research, applauded today's important vote to expand federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research with the passage of H.R. 3--the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007.
"The passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act marks an important milestone in the drive to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and related complications," said Lawrence Soler, Vice President for Government Relations at JDRF. "While nobody knows where the next generation of treatments and therapies for type 1 diabetes will come from, today's actions send a loud and clear signal that this field of research should be fully explored. I hope that the Senate, where stem cell research also enjoys strong bi-partisan support, will act quickly on the legislation to expand federal support for this rapidly emerging and promising field of research."
"I'd like to thank the authors of the bill, Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Michael Castle (R-DE) and all of their bi-partisan co-sponsors," added Mr. Soler. "I'd also like to salute the tireless efforts of our thousands of grassroots activists from around the country who met with their elected officials and stayed in close contact with them to ensure the positive conclusion of today's vote. Their enthusiasm and commitment to work with legislators to speed the discovery of cures for themselves and their loved ones is both admirable and heartening, as we explore a wide range of scientific opportunities in our search for a cure."
JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related