US stem cell researchers get temporary stay on funding ban

Almost $US80 million earmarked for human embryonic stem cell research in the US is on its way to the intended recipients after a federal appeals court suspended an earlier injunction placed on US federal funding for the controversial work until Monday next week.

Last month chief judge Royce C. Lamberth of Federal District Court for the District of Columbia, issued the injunction following legal challenges to US government and National Institutes of Health by two researchers opposed to the destruction of embryonic stem cells.

The Obama administration responded by saying large amounts of federal money as well as some 1400 jobs would be lost as a result.

The appeals court said last Thursday this its decision should not be seen as reflection of merits of the case, rather that it would give both sides time to prepare their written responses in time for its September 20 deadline.

A number of observers were quoted in US media last week predicting that the final ruling would come down in favour of further funding for embryonic stem cell research.