Statement by Eli Broad about Lifting of Federal Stem Cell Funding Restrictions

LOS ANGELES, March 9, 2009—The following is a statement issued by Eli Broad, founder of The Broad Foundations, in response to President Obama’s reversal of federal stem cell restrictions:

“President Obama’s executive order today lifting federal restrictions on embryonic stem cell research is years overdue and will now allow the full potential of scientific research and discovery to be realized. Despite the federal ban, for the past five years California has led the country in embryonic stem cell research by taking advantage of $3 billion in voter-approved funds and millions more in private foundation grants. With federal funds now available, the rest of the country can follow California’s lead. Without a doubt, stem cell research will lead to the dramatic improvement in the human condition and will benefit millions of people.”
—Eli Broad, founder of The Broad Foundations.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has given $75 million to fund three stem cell centers in California: the Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA and the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.

# # #