November 3, 2004

UCSD Statements On The Passage
Of Proposition 71 Stem Cell Initiative

Chancellor Mary Anne Fox

Following is a statement issued today by Marye Anne Fox, chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, regarding the passage of Stem Cell Initiative 71:

Election results show that California voters have passed Proposition 71, the ballot initiative aimed at providing $3 billion in state funding for stem cell research. This measure will establish a California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to award grants and loans for stem cell research and research facilities. The importance of stem cell research and discovery are important to the future of our global community and San Diego will certainly become a leader in this endeavor.

This initiative has the potential to establish California as a center for advanced biotechnology if we seize the opportunity in the most collaborative way possible.

Basic research on mechanisms of cell differentiation is likely to open completely new vistas in biology. Scientific progress leading to treatments and cures can only occur in an environment that supports high quality investigation, utilizing all available tools and technologies. At UCSD, working with colleagues at the many superb academic and research institutions around the state, we will move swiftly and responsibly to develop research programs that are worthy of this extraordinary vote of confidence.

Although it is too early to tell exactly how the University of California will participate in this new Institute, it is safe to say that this new investment will advance stem cell research at UCSD and other UC campuses. With passage of this initiative, Californians have demonstrated their commitment to progress and innovation, and have reinforced our state and region’s position as a leader in biomedical research and discovery.

Edward W. Holmes, M.D., vice chancellor of Health Sciences

Following is a statement from Edward W. Holmes, M.D., vice chancellor of Health Sciences at the University of California, San Diego, and vice chair, University of California Advisory Group on Planning for Proposition 71 Implementation, regarding passage of Prop. 71 on the state ballot:

Passage of Prop 71 is a transforming event in the lives of Californians and for those elsewhere in the world who suffer from a range of clinical disorders for which we have no or limited therapeutic options today.

It is not realistic to expect stem cell biology to bring new therapies into the clinic tomorrow, but if we don't begin now we only delay the opportunities made possible by this new approach to understanding and treating human diseases. As a result of this initiative, scientists and physicians will be able to use this powerful new technology to establish models of human disease that have not been possible before. Without this initiative we could not begin the many areas of research needed to determine how to use stem cells to benefit mankind.

The citizens of California have opened the door to this promising new technology with their leadership in approving this initiative. The support provided by this initiative will bring together basic and clinical scientists who share a commitment to and will have the resources to use the potential of stem cell biology to effect new therapies for devastating disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and a range of neurological disorders for which we have no or inadequate therapy today.

As a result of this initiative California has the potential to become the epicenter of this exciting and promising new approach to understand and treat human disease. San Diego is well positioned to play a leadership role in this promising new area of research and therapeutics with the numerous academic and private sector institutions committed to improving human health in this community. UCSD looks forward to partnering with our colleagues across this community and the state to assure that the Institute for Regenerative Medicine supports the highest quality of research, conducted in the best interest of the public, to advance new therapies for patients.

Media Contacts:
Pat JaCoby, (858) 534-7404 or Leslie Franz, (858) 543-6163