September 3, 2007

scientists respond to HFEA announcement of policy on Human Animal Hybrid Embryos

The HFEA have decided to permit research involving human-animal hybrid embryos.

Dr Stephen Minger, Director, Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, King’s College London, said:

“It is gratifying to see that the HFEA has listened to the broader scientific and bioethical community as well as to the Science and Technology Committee and the Cross-Parliament Scrutiny Committee and agreed to consider license applications for interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). We are also indebted to our fellow scientists, patient advocacy groups, the research charities, and the public who have vigorously supported our cause over the past year.

“It has always been our view that the use of non-human oocytes for SCNT is currently the only ethically justifiable option given the large numbers of eggs required to derive cloned human stem cell lines from individuals with incurable and highly progressive neurological disorders. We applaud the HFEA for their decision and look forward to the decision from the licensing committee on our applications in November.”

Lyle Armstrong, Dr Lyle Armstrong, Institute for Human Genetics, Newcastle, said:

“This is excellent news. It is a positive outcome not just for our work but for the progress of British science in general and we hope that this will lead to new technologies to benefit everyone.”

Professor, John Harris, Professor of Bioethics, University of Manchester, said:

“I am pleased that the HFEA have decided in principle to permit the use of human-animal embryos. It is to be hoped that when important benefits are likely to be derived from creation of so called true hybrids that such research will also be permitted.”

Professor Chris Shaw, Professor of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, said:

“This is welcome news for scientists and patients but the delay in making a final decision on specific applications is very frustrating. If properly informed, the majority of public opinion supports scientific advancement, but why should it take a year for the HFEA to make a decision?”

Dr Belinda Cupid, Research Manager at the MND Association, said:

“For the Association, this position by the HFEA is very encouraging. There is currently no cure for MND but allowing the use of hybrid and chimera embryos in scientific research may revolutionise the future treatment of this disease and other degenerative neurological conditions. The case for the use of human/animal hybrid embryos in stem cell research is compelling as it holds the potential to save lives.”

Alastair Kent, Director of GIG, said:

“GIG is pleased with the decision that the HFEA has taken regarding the use of hybrid embryos for research. Research using this technology has the potential to deliver treatments for many patients living with neurological conditions including Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinsons. This is therefore an important area of science that needs to be explored.

“It is important that the public, with access to scientific evidence, are able to share their views on these new technologies. With over 60% of people contacted during the HFEA’s survey agreeing with the creation of human-animal hybrids, if the research is directed towards specific diseases, this is a clear indication that this type of research is now accepted. This shows that when properly informed of the reasons behind controversial research techniques, the public will embrace and support the work.

“Although GIG is pleased that this research will now be licensed we’re disappointed that there has been a nine month delay in approving applications for this work and hope this will not be the case in the future. “

Professor Martin Bobrow, Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

“The Academy of Medical Sciences warmly welcomes the HFEA’s decision to permit research into human-animal embryos, which is in line with the findings of our recent report. The HFEA’s consultation demonstrated that scientists, patients and the public believe this research could provide important new avenues to understand and treat a range of serious diseases. This decision represents a key opportunity for the UK to become a world leader in stem cell research. “