Posted by Marina on November 30, 1997 at 20:35:41:
In Reply to: Re: CYGNUS TEST RESULTS posted by Alan F. Bachrach, M.D. on November 30, 1997 at 20:05:33:
Whoever said or told you that Plan A was islet transplantation and encapsulation? Who told you that islet cell technology was being "exclusively" funded?
I think it's been made abunduntly clear that the private sector seems very willing and eager to fund research that has a chance of creating huge profits for the stock holder for both the long and short terms. A continuous monitor fits into this category. On the other hand, what financial incentive is there for a cure? Once cured, diabetics will have no need for monitors-continuous or otherwise. No long term profit equals no influx of shareholder dollars. The funding NEEDS to come from the NIH, JDF, CDA and ADA.
You seem so eager to abandon the so called "plan A" when it seems we have a zillion and one plan Bs.
I only wish that beta cell transplantation and encapsulation research really did have the priority in which you seem to think has been bestowed upon it. There is no evidence for your presumption. If you continue to make such statements I would at least expect some factual data to back up your claims.
Marina
P.S. I have a child with diabetes too and I would love a non-invasive meter for my son; however, I believe the private sector has and will continue to sponsor such venues.