The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) appreciates the opportunity to

8401 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, SUITE 900 CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND 20815-5817 TELEPHONE 301.941.0200 FAX 301.941.0259 www.endo-society.org NIH Stem Cell Guidelines, MSC 7997 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-7997 Dear Dr. Kington: The Endocrine Society appreciates the opportunity to comment on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) draft guidelines on human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world’s oldest, largest and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and to the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society’s membership consists of more than 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 100 countries. Society members represent all basic, applied and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Society supports expansion of the availability of hESC for research and therapeutic purposes as intended by Executive Order 13505. We encourage NIH to continue to fund research on adult stem cells and on induced pluripotent stem cells even as the availability of hESC is increased. We agree with the stringent but reasonable guidelines NIH has outlined to ensure that excess embryos from fertility treatments are obtained ethically for the derivation of hESC lines. The Society has concerns, however, about potential negative consequences that may arise if the eligibility guidelines are retroactively ...