Proposition 71, California's $3 billion stem cell research measure, created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The measure and its implementation have sparked debates across the country on how to address the public and private role in stem cell research funding.

This issue impacts not only California, but also other states where legislation seeks to either follow California's lead for public funding of stem cell research, or to ban certain stem cell research entirely. States that are involved include Arkansas, Connecticut, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. On the national level, legislation has been proposed to reopen the funding for stem cell research.

Many eyes look to California to set the precedent... and shape the future. So the question is, "Where do we go from here?"

We invite you to join in a discussion about these issues and future challenges:

• When will actual funding begin? What organizations are eligible for the grant money?
• How will anticipated changes in the way the FDA and other authorities issue drug approvals and regulation impact CIRM and its efforts?
• How will public input be considered?
• How is the Institute addressing potential conflict of interests among members and grantees?
• How will intellectual property created under the grants be treated?
• When does the scientific community expect to see significant progress and potentially clinical trials?
• What are the liability issues in stem cell research and how can they be minimized?

Speakers Include:

• Bruce Deal, Managing Principal, Analysis Group, Inc.
• Robert Klein II, Chairman, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)
• James M. Wood, Partner, Reed Smith LLP
• Representatives from the biotechnology community

Who Should Participate?

Stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, professionals in law and regulatory affairs who work with FDA regulated industries, professionals involved or interested in shaping public policy, and persons interested in learning more about California's latest groundbreaking venture.

Program-at-a-Glance
On-site Participation: Free for on-site participants only (space limited 75 participants). Must register to attend. 

Audioconference Registration:  Available for anyone who can't participate on-site.

Audiotapes: Available to purchase with registration.

Agenda (All times are Pacific Standard Time.)
7:30am-8:00am:  Breakfast
8:00am-10:00am:  Panel Discussion and Q&A

Register by Tuesday, March 4, 2005 and Participate!

To register, please visit http://www.fdli.org/conf/audio/registration.phtml.
Or please contact FDLI's Customer Service at (800) 956-6293 or (202) 371-1420.

Registration is FREE to guests who attend at the Marriott.

Please note: Attendance at the Marriott is limited to 75 persons.

        Audioconference Registration Fees
        $349 FDLI Member, government, academic, 501(c)(3) organizations
        $549 Non-member

        Audioconference Registration + Audiotape
        (An Additional $75 With Registration.)
        $424 FDLI Member, government, academic, 501(c)(3) organizations
        $624 Non-member

        Audiotape for On-site Participants (With Registration Only)
        $75 FDLI Member, government, academic, 501(c)(3) organizations
        $75 Non-member

        Audiotapes After the Audioconference
        $175 FDLI Member, government, academic, 501(c)(3) organizations
        $225 Non-member

Send your questions for the audio-conference by email to mjw@fdli.org. All questions must be received no later than Tuesday, March 4, 2005 to be included.

All registered sites and all questions will be completely anonymous.