Alliance for Stem Cell Research Supports Motion to Dismiss Prop 71 Lawsuits

The Alliance for Stem Cell Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of stem cell research through education and patient advocacy, announced its support for a "motion for judgment on the pleadings" being filed today by the State of California, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and other state defendants in response to two lawsuits that challenge Proposition 71, California's $3 billion stem cell research initiative.

The suits, which have been consolidated into a single action, were filed by three organizations, People's Advocate, National Tax Limitation Foundation, and California Family Bioethics Council, who contend that the new California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), established by Proposition 71, is rife with conflicts of interest and illegally established outside the purview of state government.

In support of the motion for judgment, some of the most notable institutions and patient advocacy organizations from throughout the state and the country, including the Alliance for Stem Cell Research, have signed an amicus brief, also to be submitted today. An amicus brief -- also known as a friend of the court brief -- is introduced when a party or parties not directly involved in the litigation wish to offer input in a case.

The signers, all stem cell research supporters, argue that the lawsuits lack merit and should be dismissed.

"We fully support the CIRM and the motion that was filed today," said Susan DeLaurentis, CEO of the Alliance for Stem Cell Research. "It is important for CIRM to be accountable to state government, but removed from the shifting national political climate and local bureaucratic pitfalls.

Only then will we be able to move swiftly in establishing California as a world leader in stem cell research, and, most importantly, in finding new treatments for diseases and saving lives."

DeLaurentis says that the amicus brief provides an explanation of the comprehensive management and oversight controls in place for the CIRM, which were built into the initiative, and emphasizes the need for its protection from political intervention.

"These lawsuits are merely obstruction tactics," concluded DeLaurentis.

"Groups which are ideologically opposed to embryonic stem cell research, and who lost overwhelmingly at the polls, are funding this complaint using disingenuous 'good government' claims for their suit. We should not tolerate bad faith lawsuits while millions who could benefit from new therapies or cures are forced to wait."

If the motion (to dismiss) is granted, the plaintiffs suing Prop 71 have 30 days to appeal the ruling.

The mission of the Alliance for Stem Cell Research (AFSCR) is to advance the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine and to educate the public about its potential and progress.

Susan DeLaurentis is president and CEO of the Alliance for Stem Cell Research. Her start in patient advocacy came in 1988, when her friend Elizabeth Glaser was diagnosed, along with her children, with AIDS.

In response, Susan, Elizabeth, and their friend Susan Zeegen founded the Pediatric AIDS Foundation to help reduce the impact and incidence of HIV/AIDS in children. Today, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a world-renowned patient advocacy group and the leading national non-profit dedicated to identifying, preventing and conducting critical pediatric AIDS research. Having seen the suffering from HIV/AIDS, Susan is dedicating her experience and passion to support stem cell research and its potential to treat and cure so many diseases.

Alliance for Stem Cell Research Supports Motion