Louisiana

Laws, Regulation, and Funding

At present, no federal legislation in the United States is in place to regulate stem cell research (except by executive order to not allow federal funding for generation of new embryonic stem cell lines and limiting research on embryonic stem cell [Page 304]lines); this leaves each state responsible for determining policy and funding for stem cell research. Louisiana is the only state to specifically prohibit research on human embryos and restricts human embryonic stem cell research.

For expansion of the biotech industry in Louisiana, the division of economic development has set up three centers within the state, in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Davenport, to provide financial assistance with a small business investment company fund, business development services, and wet laboratory incubator space. Their financial support has allowed the creation of a Good Manufacturing Practice Laboratory for stem cell research and funding for the Louisiana Cancer Research Centers of New Orleans and for the Gene Therapy Research Consortium. They also work with start—up companies to bring to the marketplace the application of research from Louisiana universities.

Stem Cell Research

Pennington Biomédical Research Center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge provides research laboratories and inpatient and outpatient medical clinics. The center opened in 1988 with funds provided by a philanthropic gift from C. B. “Doc” Pennington in 1980. The center is home to eight basic research laboratories, three clinical research units, 19 core service laboratories, and conference space.

The center's researchers specialize in a variety of disciplines including molecular biology, genom—ics and proteomics, and biochemistry. Though dedicated to nutrition and its related health issues, the center's research foci include tissue and organ regeneration postinjury/damage, characterization and biological mechanisms including formation of adult stem cells and adipose tissue, and the epigen—etic basis for human diseases of obesity, hypertension, and adult—onset diabetes.

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