Artificial gametes (in vitro derived)

In-vitro derived gametes are sperm and eggs derived in the laboratory from alternative sources, such as embryonic stem cells. UK scientists are currently conducting research in this area.
HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Group (SCAG) estimate that while research teams could produce sperm from stem cells by in the next few years, the production of eggs from stem cells could be longer. The group thought that it would be at least 5-10 years before eggs or sperm could be produced that could potentially be used in treatment.
SCAG said there were still very significant safety concerns about using in-vitro derived gametes in treatment.

In-vitro derived gametes provide the possibility of having genetically-related children for people who currently cannot produce their own eggs and sperm.
The theory of in-vitro derived gametes would suggest that it would be possible for same sex couples to have a child that was genetically related to both partners, but scientists currently believe it would not be possible to generate sperm from female stem cells and very difficult to generate eggs from male stem cells.
The safety of in-vitro derived gametes is unknown. Scientists are concerned that the very complex process needed to generate them has great potential for chromosomal abnormalities and other severe genetic problems. Current scientific knowledge does not allow a realistic assessment of safety to be made.

The current HFE Bill (May 08) permits in vitro derived gametes for use in research, but not for treatment.
The in-vitro derivation of gametes for research does not require a licence from the HFEA.
Anybody wishing to create embryos for research using in vitro derived gametes would require a licence from the HFEA.

The HFEA's 'horizon-scanning' work is continuing to monitor the progress of scientific research in this area.

Further information can be found in the work of the HFEA's Scientific and Clinical Advances Group particularly the June 2007 meeting.

Last updated: 20 May 2008