Seeking Cures, Not Clones

Robert D. Novak [op-ed, April 22] accuses senators who oppose criminalizing therapeutic nuclear transfer research of being in thrall to Hollywood, academia and, apparently worst of all, the ideology of science.

The issue before the Senate has turned into an ideological debate, but the worst excesses have come from activists who invoke the false chimeras of "embryo farms," "hatcheries" and baby clones.

The biotech industry stands against reproductive cloning. We are seeking cures, not clones. Researchers hope to develop new treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, juvenile diabetes, spinal cord injuries, stroke, heart disease and other disabling and life-threatening disorders.

This responsible, pro-research position is supported by the National Academy of Sciences and by the 40 Nobel laureates who signed a letter earlier this month supporting therapeutic applications of nuclear transfer in the context of a continuing ban on reproductive cloning. They do not espouse a heavy-handed ideology, as Mr. Novak suggested, but have elaborated a thoughtful distinction between two different applications of a technology, one unethical and dangerous, the other critical to the future of medicine.

CARL B. FELDBAUM
President
Biotechnology Industry Organization