press release

Media Contact:
Peter Cleary, JDRF's National Director of Media Relations
Phone: (212) 479-7553 (office); (917) 698-8779 (cell) 
Email: pcleary@jdrf.org

JDRF Applauds Passage of H.R. 810,
The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005
Senate Expected to Take Action Soon,
Where Issue Also Enjoys Strong Bi-Partisan Support

May 24, 2005, New York—The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the world's leading charitable supporter of research on type 1 diabetes and its complications, applauded today's historic vote to expand federal support for embryonic stem cell research with the passage of H.R. 810—the Castle-DeGette Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005.

"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 Peter Van Etten, President and CEO of 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 its version of the legislation to expand federal support for this rapidly emerging field of research."

JDRF believes that the entire field of regenerative medicine, including embryonic stem cell research, offers tremendous hope for the millions of people who suffer from chronic, debilitating, and life-threatening diseases.  JDRF, along with other patient and medical research groups, will continue to advocate ethical, responsible government policies that reflect the wishes of a large majority of Americans.  "I am confident, that as that large majority of public support grows, and exciting research breakthroughs continue to be announced, that we will enact policies that re-establish the United States as the world leader in medical research," said Mr. Van Etten.

JDRF made the passage of H.R. 810 a top legislative priority for the year. "I'd 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 historic vote," concluded Mr. Van Etten. "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 (juvenile) diabetes—a disease that strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $800 million to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and education about research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.