Springfield, IL - Legislation that will dramatically expand all forms of stem cell research in Illinois was signed by the Governor recently. Senate Bill 4, sponsored by State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford), will further establish Illinois as a national leader in promoting this critical research.

"The signing of Senate Bill 4 allows us to bolster research efforts that have the potential to help millions of American people who suffer from chronic illnesses and medical conditions," said Senator Frerichs. "This research could lead to substantial breakthroughs in the treatment of conditions such as juvenile diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson's disease."

The legislation also bans human reproductive cloning. It strengthens oversight of the State's existing grant making process and prohibits the sale or purchase of embryonic tissue for research purposes.

"The new law will allow Illinois research facilities to be at the forefront of stem cell research," stated Senator Frerichs. "Currently, research shows that a considerable amount funding generated in the United States for stem cell research ends up going to scientists abroad, and this law will help reverse that trend."

The new legislation enables the Department of Public Health to establish the Illinois Regenerative Medicine Institute, which will award grants to support stem cell research at universities and research facilities throughout Illinois.

"There is a significant amount of research dollars that can come into the University of Illinois for stem cell research," said Senator Frerichs. "If the state makes this commitment to the university, you will also see private research money coming in too."

Stem cells are found in embryos at early stages of development, in some fetal tissue, and in some adult organs as well. These cells have the potential to develop into many different types of healthy new cells in the body. As described by the National Institute of Health, these cells act like an internal repair system for the body, dividing to replenish other cells for as long as the body is alive. In recent years, stem cell research has shown promising results in treatment for a number of diseases.