Lawmaker files stem cell research bill

MANILA, Philippines - A neophyte lawmaker is pushing for the establishment of a stem cell research and storage center in the country that would conduct clinical trials to promote stem cell treatment, which has become a potential cure for some diseases once considered incurable.

La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel, a physician by profession, filed House Bill 1977 establishing the proposed center mandated to conduct stem cell research under established standards of open scientific exchange, peer review and public oversight.

“Stem cell treatments, a type of regenerative medicine, introduce new cells into damaged tissue in order to treat a disease or injury Prometheus-like,” Eriguel said. “It is potentially a cure for a severed spinal cord, diabetes, Parkinson’s, cancer and heart disease.”

He said stem cell therapy is very expensive and only few physicians are licensed to do the procedure, especially in the Philippines.

Eriguel, however, admitted that the full potentials of stem cell research remain unknown.

The measure also seeks to promote research and human clinical trials using stem cells ethically obtained and show evidence of benefits for human patients, according to the author.

He said the creation of the center would help make the country a haven for open scientific inquiry and technological innovation.

“It will even promote investment and generate jobs,” he said, citing the experience of California in the United States where the biomedical industry provides employment to 225,000 people and pays $12.8 billion in wages and salaries.

“In the last two years, an increasing number of foreigners came in solely for stem cell therapy that some hospitals offer at a cheaper cost than when done outside the country,” Eriguel said.

HB 1977 places the proposed center under the direct supervision of the Department of Health secretary, who is required to report to Congress the research proposals reviewed and the description of the extent of stem cell research conducted.