The first ever UK guidelines for the generation and use of stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) in research have been published, drafted by a working group of researchers and practitioners including the Progress Educational Trust, Cambridge Reproduction, and LML director Prof. Kathy Liddell.
The previous absence of a regulatory framework for the use of SCBEMs in research left scientists and research organisations uncertain about the legal and ethical boundaries of their work, as well as unsupported in their decision-making.
The new SCBEM Code of Practice sets out standards to make sure that research using SCBEMs is rigorous, upholds ethical principles and maximises the potential benefits. Key to this will be a dedicated Oversight Committee that will review each proposed research project.
On the Code, Prof. Liddell states:
“From a legal standpoint, the SCBEM Code of Practice has a crucial role to play. The current regulatory landscape for SCBEMs is fragmented and incomplete, leaving important issues unaddressed or poorly defined.
In response, the Code establishes guidelines that respect existing regulations governing human stem cells and embryos while recognising the distinct nature of these models. This will help to ensure responsible scientific advancement, and will also provide researchers with a much-needed operational framework.”
The guidelines can be viewed and downloaded from: www.repro.cam.ac.uk/scbemcode