Private Stem Cell Research

The other day in the comments section, Marnee brought up the fact that the Federal limits on stem cell research did not apply to privately funded research, just to federally funded research. She brought up the possibility that the private research might be very substantial, just under-reported by the mainstream media.

Today I read a chicagoboyz post quoting a Wall St. Journal editorial which gave some projections:

"Then there's the private sector. According to Navigant Consulting, the U.S. stem-cell therapeutics market will generate revenues of $3.6 billion by 2015. Some 70 companies are now doing stem-cell research, with Geron, ES Cell International and Advanced Cell Technologies being leaders in embryonic research. Clinical trials using embryonic stem-cell technologies for spinal cord injuries are due to begin sometime next year."

You know, I don't like the phrase "private sector." Somehow it always sounds like the economy is a pie, some of which is baked by private outfits, and some of which is baked by public outfits, in a friendly sort of competition.

I wish the public sector
Would stick to the role of protector.