United States seen lagging on stem cell research

LONDON, June 2 (Reuters) The United States is lagging behind Britain and other leading nations on stem cell research, a visiting US Congressional delegation has said.

Scientists believe that stem cells, master cells in the body that can develop into any cell type, could be used to treat diseases ranging from diabetes to Parkinson's.

But their use is controversial because the most promising stem cells for treating human diseases are derived from very early human embryos.

The United has restricted federal funding of stem cell research which Colorado Democrat Rep Diana DeGette said has forced some American scientists to relocate to countries which have more lenient policies.

''In addition, leadership in this area of research has shifted to the United Kingdom, which sees this scientific area as a cornerstone of its biotech industry,'' she said in a statement yesterday.

DeGette and other members of the bipartisan Congressional delegation are holding meetings in Britain with government officials, agencies and scientists about advances in stem cell research, as well as ethical and regulatory issues.

Rhode Island Democratic Rep. Jim Langevin said the visit has opened his eyes about the innovations that are occurring in Britain.

''Unfortunately, this trip is also serving as a reminder of how much the scientific community in the United States is missing out on research and investment opportunities,'' he said.

DeGette and Delaware Republican Rep. Michael Castle, who is also part of the delegation, introduced a bill to expand federal funding of stem cell research on human embryos that would otherwise be discarded.

It was approved by the US House of Representatives last year and has been introduced into the Senate. President George W. Bush has threatened to veto it.

Opponents of the research object to the use of federal funds to finance it.

Sir Richard Gardner, of Britain's national academy of science the Royal Society, who met the delegation said expanding federal funding in the United States would benefit patients and researchers in Britain and other countries.

''More federally-funded research on human embryonic stem cells in the United States would increase the number of researchers who are active in this important field and thus hasten progress towards new therapies,'' Gardner said.

REUTERS SI RN0939