Regulation of Embryonic Stem Cells
The donation of embryos for embryonic stem cell derivation requires the approval by an NHS Ethics Committee and a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
Regulation of Embryonic Stem Cell research at NESCI
NESCI has a long-standing record of working proactively with regulators towards standards of best practice in a constantly evolving field.
Since 1992 research at the Newcastle Fertility Centre has been licensed by the HFEA.
- In 2001, the Centre was the first IVF clinic to be awarded a licence to derive human ESC.
- In 2004, it was awarded the first licence to undertake somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- In 2006, it was awarded the first licence for ethical egg sharing,
- in 2008 NESCI was one of two centres to be granted a license for pioneering research into cybrid fusion.
NESCI researchers currently hold 4 licences with the HFEA.
- R0145: Epigenetic Studies of Preimplantation Embryos and Derived Stem Cells (A. Murdoch)
- R0152: Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines using Nuclear Transfer and Parthenogenically Activated Oocytes (A. Murdoch)
- R0153: Mitochondrial DNA Disorders: Is there a way to prevent transmission? (M. Herbert)
- R0179: Derivation of Embryonic Stem cell Lines from Interspecies Embryos produced by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (M. Lako)
For further details on those licences see the HFEA website.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bil
Changes to the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act are currently being debated in the form of a Parliamentary Bill.
This is an important piece of legislation, setting the legal parameters for a range of clinical treatments and scientific research involving stem cells.
After passing the House of Lords in early 2008, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is now being debated in the House of Commons.
NESCI researchers have drafted policy documents, that highlight topics raised by the legislation. Currently, the following briefing papers have been issued by NESCI (.pdf documents):
- Creating human admixed embryos by housing human DNA in the envelope of animal eggs – This issue has been debated at a Committee of the Whole House.
- The treatment of mitochondrial disorders by mitochondrial transplantation
- Research on in vitro derived gametes to treat infertility
- The provision of licenses for treatment
- The desirability of supporting cord blood stem cell science
- Early Position Statement on the Draft Fertility Bill – June 2007
These briefing papers can be used and reproduced freely as long as the content remains unaltered. Please note that these information sheets are subject to an ongoing process of revision.
