To: HEALTH, LEGAL AFFAIRS AND MEDICAL EDITORS

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This week the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) joined the Coalition for Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) in filing an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, supporting federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

GPI previously filed amicus briefs in the United States District Court and in the Court of Appeals, the latter in collaboration with CAMR and the State of Wisconsin. Both earlier briefs focused on the preliminary injunction in the case.

Bernard Siegel, GPI's executive director, stated, "Our brief supports the District Court's ruling on behalf of the government upholding federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research. We make clear that the NIH complied with the Administrative Procedures Act in adopting stem cell research rules. The brief also focused upon arguments relating to statutory interpretation of the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, maintaining that the government has a complete right to fund research on ethically derived stem cell lines."

GPI's mission is to promote and defend stem cell research and its application in medicine to develop therapeutics and cures for many otherwise intractable diseases and disorders. GPI pursues this mission through production of its flagship annual World Stem Cell Summit, publication of the World Stem Cell Report, special projects, speaking engagements, online newsletters and strategic collaborations. Among its initiatives, GPI maintains the Stem Cell Action Coalition, an alliance of 75 independent organizations, including patient groups, academic institutes, medical philanthropies and science and medical societies, all supporting stem cell research targeting cures.

SOURCE Genetics Policy Institute

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Genetics Policy Institute (GPI) Files Additional Legal Arguments in Sherley v. Sebelius Stem Cell Case