HFEA Licence Committee approves two applications for research on human embryos to produce stem cell lines
28 February 2002
The HFEA has approved two applications for clinics to carry out research on human embryos to produce stem cell lines - the first to be issued under the new HFE (Research Purposes) Regulations 2001.
The two clinics concerned in the applications are based at the Centre for Genome Research in Edinburgh and at Guy's Hospital, London. Both projects do not involve cell nuclear transfer (cloning).
The objective of the project based at the Centre for Genome Research is to establish stem cell lines which will be deposited in the MRC stem cell bank. The goal of this work is to increase knowledge of embryo development and to enable such knowledge to be applied in developing treatment for serious diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.
The project based at Guys Hospital London, involves two aspects. The first is to increase knowledge about the development of embryos which will lead to advances in treatment of infertility and the causes of miscarriage. The project also involves the establishment of stem cell lines which will be deposited in the MRC stem cell bank. The goal of this work is to enable such knowledge to be applied in developing treatments for serious disease such as neural diseases and pancreatic disease.
The HFEA Licence Committee gave careful consideration to the scientific, medical and ethical issues of the applications. The Licence Committee also scrutinised the arrangements for obtaining informed consent from the people donating embryos to these projects.
The Licence Committee agreed that the applications appropriately addressed all the relevant issues and agreed to grant the two research licences. The licences will be granted with five additional licence conditions which specify particular measures that the centres are required to put in place concerning the stem cell work.
These issues include specific information that must be given to potential donors.
The research will be subject to close monitoring and scrutiny by the HFEA. Progress reports will be required and inspection visits will be performed.
Ends
Notes to editors
For furthur information please contact the HFEA press office.
Page last updated: 13 March 2009