Gov. Rick Perry of Texas, a potential Republican presidential candidate, has for the past two months been working toward laying the groundwork for the commercialization of adult stem cell therapy, a highly controversial treatment which Mr. Perry underwent a month ago.

According to the story first reported by the Texas Tribune, in the month before Mr. Perry’s procedure, which was performed by Dr. Stanley Jones, a Houston-based orthopedist and a personal friend of the governor, a healthcare bill that authorized the creation of an adult stem cell bank was passed by Texas lawmakers.

And in the weeks since Perry’s stem cell infusion, the Texas Medical Board has held a stakeholder meeting — largely at the governor’s and Jones’ direction — to discuss how to regulate the procedure in Texas.

In addition:

Two days before last week’s Medical Board meeting, Perry sent a letter to the board chair espousing the economic and life-altering potential of adult stem cells and asking members to recognize “the sound science and good work that is already being done” as they consider new regulations.

On July 1, after having undergone the back procedure, Mr. Perry posted on Twitter that it “went as advertised,” the Texas Tribune reported.

Little procedure went as advertised. Blessed to be married to the world’s best nurse. Thanks for all the prayers!! Rick Perry

GovernorPerry

But according to the Tribune,

The possible presidential contender didn’t reveal that he’d undergone an experimental injection of his own stem cells, a therapy that isn’t FDA approved, has mixed evidence of success and can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.

Dr. Jones, the Tribune reported, had never before performed the procedure.

But last year, Dr. Jones and his wife traveled to South Korea and Japan to obtain the same treatment for their own ailments. Dr. Jones told the Tribune his recovery led him to contact Mr. Perry. “I told him, I’m in Korea seeing miracles, and something needs to be done for our fellow Americans.”

The South Korean company that cultured Dr. Jones’ stem cells has since opened an affiliated lab outside of Houston. Mr. Perry’s stem cells were cultured in that Texas-based lab.