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scientists comment on embryo regulation proposal

The Science and Technology Committee report expressed concern about potential plans to ban the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos for use in research.

Dr Lyle Armstrong, Centre For Stem Cell Biology & developmental Genetics, International Centre for Life, University of Newcastle, said:

“The summary of the report seems to be exactly what we wanted since they recommend that hybrid embryo creation should be allowed in accordance with the existing 14 day rule. If this report prompts parliament to pass a bill permitting this research, it will be a great step forward.”

Professor Chris Shaw, Neurologist, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, said:

“The Committee’s recommendations are very welcome. They just go to show that when people really understand the work involved and the potential benefits that the law can be used to regulate and not restrict science in this field.”

Dr Stephen Minger, Stem Cell Biologist, King’s College London, said:

“My colleagues and I at King’s College London who have applied for license to carry out inter-species SCNT to create disease-specific cell lines are heartened by the findings of the Science and Technology Select Committee. We completely agree with their finding that research should be regulated and not legislated. We have always maintained that the HFEA and the Home Office have the requisite scientific and ethical expertise to evaluate and license complex and potentially ethically contentious human research, and this should remain the case. We urge Parliament to consider the S&T findings in the formulation of the draft bill and not to restrict fundamentally important research.”

Professor John Bell, President, Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

“The Academy of Medical Sciences welcomes the Committee’s report on hybrid and chimera embryo research, which takes us in very much the right direction. We agree with the Committee’s call for a permissive legislative framework supported by a trusted regulator that allows research to proceed under license. The Committee have highlighted the lack of clarity around the terminology used in this field of research. This is currently being addressed by an Academy study that will identify key opportunities for research on these embryos, together with an assessment of how these opportunities are balanced by safety and ethical concerns.”

Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, said:

“The Select Committee have put together a thorough, well researched and informative report, which should be widely read by policy makers around the world. One might well ask why the Department of Health did not go to the same lengths to understand the topic on which it was proposing legislation ? Moreover, it was a pity that the HFEA did not have the confidence to follow its own advisors. I hope we will see a return to a full regulatory approach to research in this area, where individual proposals can be judged on their merits.”

Professor Ian Wilmut, Director, Centre for Regenerative Medicine The Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, said:

“I welcome the conclusions of the committee in regard to both aspects of embryo research.

“The opportunity to use animal eggs in research will provide an important chance to understand and treat inherited human diseases, such as Motor Neuron Disease. At present there is no effective treatment for this disease.

“The most effective test of the ability of cells to provide a successful treatment for a human disease is to introduce them into experimental animals that have the same disease. These animals are then “chimeras” as they have cells from two individuals. A very great deal can be learned from this research about precisely which type of cell to use, how many to transfer, where to place them and whether or not there are any unfortunate side effects.”

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