New Jersey Summit Surveys Stem-Cell Research.

Byline: Paul H. Johnson

Apr. 25--Garden State politicians and business leaders held the state's first-ever summit on stem-cell research on Saturday and unveiled a new foundation geared to raise money for studies in this controversial area of science.

The New Jersey Stem Cell Research Endowment Fund will give money to scientists looking into ways to use stem cells to cure chronic illnesses such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and arthritis. The fund will enable researchers to find cures while avoiding contentious battles over state and federal funding.

The group expects to raise money from the pharmaceutical industry and other interested parties.

"No one company has enough resources to do stem-cell research on their own," said Assemblyman Neil Cohen, D-Union, who sponsored a bill supporting stem-cell research that Governor McGreevey signed in January. "The research is too important to be bogged down by who is in power."

The use of stem cells, especially ones derived from human embryos, is opposed by Catholic Church leaders and pro-life activists, who contend using the material is akin to cloning and harvesting humans.

"There is absolutely no reason to create human embryos for this type of research," said Marie Tasy, public and legislative affairs director for New Jersey Right to Life. Tasy, along with about two dozen other protesters, picketed outside the conference at the Newark Liberty Airport Marriott, waving signs that read "NJ Clones and Kills" and "The Garden State Farms Humans."