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Ethics in Health and Medicine Featured in Week’s News

Sep 29th, 2008 • Posted in: News

Scientists report breakthrough in “ethical” stem-cell technology; Australia may grant patent to disgraced South Korean researcher; federal authorities probe drug test

VARIOUS DATELINES
Developments in bioethics were featured in several world-press reports last week. Among them:

• Scientists last week reported that they have developed a new procedure that will allow use of embryonic stem cells for research while avoiding the ethical and political problems associated with using cells from early-stage embryos. The Washington Post reports that a team of researchers based in New England claims to have found a way to make adult cells regress into an embryonic state. Some researchers say they believe embryonic stem cells can be manipulated into producing any type of cell found in the body, providing sources for replacement tissues and body parts without the difficulties of immune-system rejection.
• Disgraced stem-cell scientist Hwang Woo-suk is back in the news, as officials in Australia consider whether to grant a patent for a stem-cell line that was at the center of the scandal propelling his downfall. According to the Seoul-based Chosun Ilbo, several other nations to which Hwang submitted his patents rejected them because he violated South Korea’s bioethics protocol and because subsequent investigations cast doubt on the validity of his experiments. But Australian officials tell the U.K. Press Association that Australian law provides no basis for rejecting a patent based on disputes over scientific research, and that no formal protest against the patent has been filed. While earlier reports said the patent was granted, officials now tell the Press Association that the matter is “still under review.”
• Federal authorities are investigating a study of a medical therapy to see if patients given an experimental drug were adequately informed of the dangers, according to the Wall Street Journal. The study involves a controversial treatment called chelation, in which heavy metals are removed from the body. According to the Journal, the study is continuing, but new patients are not being enrolled until the investigation is resolved. The leader of the study says it is safe and ethical and that patients are adequately protected.

Sources: Washington Post, Sept 26 — Wall Street Journal, Sep. 26 — Sky News, Sep. 26 — U.K. Press Association, Sep. 25 — Chosun Ilbo, Sep. 25.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Aug. 11 — Related Newsline story, July 28 — Related Newsline story, June 2 — Related Newsline story, May 27 — Related Newsline story, Aug. 25.

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1. Ethics Newsline® » News » About Half of U.S. Physicians Routinely Prescribe Placebos: Study on October 27th, 2008 at 7:03 pm:

   [...] more information, see: Related Newsline story, Sep. 29 — Related Newsline story, Sep. 22 — Related Newsline story, Aug. 25 [...]

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