As previously reported on Bodyhack, the CHA Regenerative Medicine Institute (CHA RMI) has a somewhat shady past. California's Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) sent the following letter to Zach Hall, president and chief scientific officer of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine:
FTCR said the institute's affiliation with corporate parents CHA Medical, CHA Biotech and other for-profit entities is unclear. Kwang-Yul Cha is chief executive of CHA Health Systems, chairman of the group's Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and director of CHA Regenerative Medicine Institute.
FTCR's stem cell project director, John Simpson, also wrote the following:
"Based on what is known so far, a thorough examination of the activities of CHA Regenerative Medicine Institute, its affiliates and leadership are in order before any funds are transferred."
"Is CHA RMI truly a non-profit institution eligible for funding in this round of grants?" asked Simpson.
A list of ethical questions we enumerated earlier are also of concern.
Bodyhack will keep you apprised of future developments.
Secret Process Lets Questionable Grant Slip By Stem Cell Committee; Investigate Grantee Before $2.6 million Payout, Consumer Advocates Say [PharmaLive]
