Text of Remarks by David Higgins, Stem Cell Agency Board Member

Here is the text of comments by David Higgins, a member of the governing board (the ICOC) of the California stem cell agency, in connection with changes in the September meeting of that board. By law, Higgins is appointed as a patient advocate for Parkinson’s disease. He made his comments in response to questions from the California Stem Cell Report.

“It is my understanding that the September ICOC meeting was switched to a phone format because the modest agenda planned made the cost associated with having this meeting ‘on the road’ questionable.

“In my year at CIRM I have only encountered enthusiasm and support for patient advocacy - both from the staff as well as the board. Patient and patient advocate participation in the process is welcomed. CIRM is first and foremost about patients. There will be differences in opinion on how best to allocate CIRM’s financial resources, but there are no difference of opinion on the importance of patient advocacy and the value of interactions between the public and the ICOC.”