I am writing an Insight Pharma Report (one of those expensive tome things) on Stem Cells -- I'm a science writer / textbook author with a PhD in developmental genetics.

I have one question that I would love any opinions on:

What has been the impact of iPS cells on the companies that have focused on ES cells? It may be coincidence, but these companies do not answer my requests for interviews, when other companies/researchers do.

Have the ES-based companies switched focus to drug discovery more than therapeutics, abandoned some ES work in favor of iPS, or has there been no effect? Academic researchers insist hES cells will always be important, but I have to wonder what the effect is on companies who have staked their claim in the ES minefield.

Please share any thoughts and let me know what is off the record and on.

Ricki Lewis, PhD

Textbook Author, McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Contributor, Nature, Cambridge Healthtech Associates
Science Writer, CHDI (Cure Huntington Disease Initiative).
Genetic Counselor, CareNet Medical Group
Fellow, Alden March Bioethics Inst of Albany Medical Center
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