Stem Cell Agency Approves Research Rules
KPCC's "AirTalk" on Friday featured a discussion about temporary rules the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee adopted on Thursday that would require for-profit grant recipients to pay to the state general fund a percentage of profit from treatments developed using California Institute of Regenerative Medicine grant funds.
ICOC oversees CIRM (Mantle, "AirTalk," KPCC, 12/8). CIRM was created in 2004 when California voters approved Proposition 71. The measure provides $3 billion over 10 years for stem cell research.
The temporary guidelines will be replaced in about nine months by permanent regulations after a public approval process. According to the rules, for-profit drug developers would pay royalties to the state general fund when revenue reaches certain levels (California Healthline, 12/8).
Jeff Sheehy, an ICOC member, and John Simpson, stem cell project director at the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, discussed whether:
- Temporary rules ensure access to therapies at price levels suitable for public purchasers; and
- A provision should be included that allows the state attorney general to intervene in cases of excessive profit ("AirTalk," KPCC, 12/8).
Audio of the segment is available online. This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.