dr. thomas okarma, they have moved into something that is so exciting, so new, and holds so much promise t they have engaged in the first approved clinical trials using human embryonic stem cells. dr. okarma is on the board of directors since july, 1999. i first had the occasion to meet him when i was emerging as a stem cell advocate in 2003 at the bio meetings in washington. i have had the privilege of speaking at many conferences with dr. okarma. he has always been engaging, always informative. i would like to welcome dr. thomas okarma. [applause] >> thank you, bernie. it is a pleasure to be here. as most of you know, gironde recently received permission from the fda to begin the first clinical trials to -- for a product made of human embryonic stem cells. with that of thomas -- which that accomplishment comes the burden to do it right. that means the right cells in the right place at the right time in the right patience safely. i would like to share with you the highlights of our 28,000 page item that underscores the safety of this approach and, secondly, which gives some reason to be