PRESS RELEASES

31 March 2008

Future stem cell treatments depend on HFE Bill say UK researchers

The UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN) which represents UK stem cell scientists, from basic biologists to clinicians, has called on MPs considering the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to focus on the benefits and potential therapeutic treatments that stem cell research can deliver in the future.

Lord Patel of Dunkeld, UKNSCN Chairman, speaking ahead of the UK’s first ever national stem cell research conference to be held in Edinburgh next week, said: “UK stem cell scientists are some of the most socially aware researchers in the world. We recognise that some people have concerns about some aspects of the HFE Bill but stem cell science offers huge potential and there is a real risk that life saving treatments could be lost.”

The UKNSCN supports the aspects of the Bill that will develop a UK regulatory environment that allows stem cell research to continue to thrive and provides the best chance of translating world class UK basic stem cell research into medical treatments as fast as possible. The Network supports provisions for the future licensing of stem cell treatments.

Three aspects of the Bill will govern the future development of stem cell research and treatment.

Firstly, regulations governing the derivation of embryonic stem cells. Medical researchers need to be able to derive embryonic stem cells – from both human embryos and human admixed, or ‘hybrid’, embryos in order to fully understand pluripotency. Only by understanding how pluripotent stem cells have the capability to become any cell in the human body will scientists be able to develop therapies for currently incurable degenerative diseases. The UKNSCN is calling for MPs to enshrine tight regulations in the HFE Bill but to ensure that all types of derivation remain open to researchers. Although some recent research suggests that the reprogramming of adult cells could be an effective way of producing pluripotent stem cells, this work is in its infancy and will still require benchmarking against human embryonic cells.

Secondly, regulations that govern the production of human admixed embryos – the so called ‘hybrid’ embryos that have less than 0.1% of their DNA derived from an animal egg. These will be powerful tools for understanding and then working to cure degenerative diseases. The embryos, of which the only animal part is the left over cytoplasm of an empty cell, can be used to derive stem cells with DNA that would give their owners degenerative diseases. Scientists will then be able to study the disease – including diabetes, muscular dystrophy, heart disease and others – or use the stem cells to develop new drugs without the risks associated with early human trials. The UKNSCN fully supports the current law that makes it illegal to grow any research embryo beyond 14 days or to implant it in a woman and this should apply to admixed research embryos as well.

Thirdly, the regulation of the derivation and use of so-called ‘artificial’ gametes. This research holds the potential to revolutionise fertility treatment, giving hope to childless couples and, in particular, men who have suffered infertility after cancer treatment. The research involves reprogramming adult bone marrow to develop into male sperm or female eggs. The term ‘artificial’ is misleading as the gametes are derived from the subject’s own cells. The research is showing great promise in mouse studies and the correct regulatory environment could allow it to be developed into an effective human fertility treatment.

The UKNSCN is calling for the authorities that regulate different parts of stem cell research, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Human Tissue Authority, to be given the powers through the HFE Bill to regulate the current and future stem cell research field effectively.

Lord Patel said: “Stem cell researchers are not looking for carte blanche to work without supervision. We want an effective regulatory environment where stem cell science can develop therapies that could benefit millions of people. This Bill has the potential to either help the development of new treatments or set us back decades. Scientists are calling on MPs to consider the science and the potential when they consider the legislation.

“The UK National Stem Cell Network represents researchers and clinicians across the complete spectrum of stem cell science and we would be very happy to facilitate introducing MPs to experts if they would find it useful.”

The UK’s first ever national research conference covering the entire stem cell research field is being held in Edinburgh 9-11 April 2008 at the Edinburgh Conference Centre. Over two and a half days the UKNSCN Inaugural Science Meeting will cover hot topics in stem cell research – induced pluripotency, cancer stem cells, regenerative medicine, adult stem cells, tissue engineering and social issues.

ENDS

Contact

UKNSCN Media Relations
Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299, Mobile 07766 423372
Direct email: matt.goode@bbsrc.ac.uk

UKNSCN press office email: ukpo@uknscn.org
Tel: 01793 413355

Notes to Editors

The UK National Stem Cell Network acts as a network of the existing regional stem cell networks in the UK, to bring coordination and coherence to a range of national and regional activities in the field of stem cell research.

The UKNSCN secretariat receives financial support from four of the UK Research Councils:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Network represents the UK stem cell research community and is run through an independent Steering Committee. Initially, the secretariat is operated by BBSRC on behalf of all the Government sponsors of stem cell research, including the Research Councils, the Department of Health and the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills