Pioneering Code of Practice released for use of stem cell-based embryo models in research
探花直播 探花直播 of Cambridge, in partnership with the Progress Educational Trust, has led work to create the first ever UK guidelines for the generation and use of stem cell-based embryo models in research.
探花直播guidelines were developed by a Working Group of experts from a range of institutions across the UK, representing world-leading expertise in sciences, law, ethics and regulation.
Stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) are three-dimensional biological structures that mimic aspects of early human embryo development. They can be created in the lab from stem cells, and can provide new insights into critical stages of early human development that are normally inaccessible to researchers.
Embryo model work is expected to lead to new interventions for a range of conditions, including revolutionising treatments for recurrent miscarriage, understanding developmental disorders and improving the success rate of IVF.
Although embryo models are not the same as human embryos, they mimic aspects of early human development - and this has raised ethical concerns.
探花直播previous lack of a regulatory framework for the use of SCBEMs in research has left scientists and research organisations uncertain about the acceptable boundaries of their work, both legally and ethically, and unsupported in their decision-making. Signing up to the SCBEM Code of Practice will remove these obstacles.
, released today, provide the first code of practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in the UK.
“ 探花直播new Code of Practice provides processes for decision-making in research using stem cell-based embryo models so that scientists can proceed confidently, while maintaining public trust in this vital area of research.”
Kathy Niakan, Chair of Cambridge Reproduction and Professor of Reproductive Physiology at the 探花直播 of Cambridge, and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group.
“We are confident that the Code will enable the UK to continue to lead the world in research into early human development, while ensuring that this research is ethically robust.”
Professor Roger Sturmey, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at Hull York Medical School and Chair of the SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group.
Key points of the Code
探花直播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.
探花直播Code recognises that there must be a limit to how long embryo models can be grown in the lab. However, many different types of embryo model are being developed, representing distinct developmental stages and developing at different rates, making it impossible to impose a single fixed limit. Instead, researchers will be required to provide clear justification of the length of their experiments on a case-by-case basis.
探花直播Code prohibits any human SCBEM from being transferred into the womb of a human or animal, or being allowed to develop into a viable organism in the lab.
“Embryo models have huge potential and we want to realise this, while also limiting the risks. 探花直播new Code of Practice will allow stem cell-based embryo models to be grown in the lab long enough to gain meaningful biological understanding, but researchers will have to fully justify what they’re doing in scientific and ethical terms,” said Niakan.
How are embryo models useful to research?
Research using embryo models can improve knowledge of human development, including early pregnancy loss and pregnancy disorders, congenital defects and the precursor events that affect adult human health and disease.
探花直播models could also be used for some investigations that are not permitted using human embryos. For example, there are currently significant limitations to clinical trials and the use of many medicines during pregnancy. Models of early development could be helpful to improve options for drug treatments during pregnancy in the future.
Stem cell-based embryo models open new research avenues that can complement, but not replace, the limited studies possible with actual human embryos. 探花直播SCBEM Code of Practice states that neither of these areas of research can or should replace the other for the foreseeable future.
How was the Code produced?
探花直播SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group was made up of researchers and practitioners at institutions across the UK, including experts in science, law, ethics and regulation. In drawing up the Code, the team consulted widely with researchers, practitioners, and major funders and regulators of embryo model research, both within the UK and internationally.
探花直播Working Group included researchers and practitioners from the Babraham Institute, Biolawgy, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics at King's College London, the Francis Crick Institute, Hull York Medical School, the Medical Research Council, Newcastle 探花直播, 探花直播 College London, the 探花直播 of Cambridge, the 探花直播 of Edinburgh, the 探花直播 of Exeter and the 探花直播 of Manchester.
探花直播work was also informed by a public dialogue, held earlier this year, to explore public attitudes towards research involving embryo models.
“Throughout the process of developing the Code of Practice we’ve been keen to engage with as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, including researchers, experts in law and bioethics, regulators and funders.”
Christina Rozeik, Programme Manager of Cambridge Reproduction and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Project Team.
Rozeik added: “A public dialogue enabled us to include public voices during the development of the Code, taking account of their hopes, concerns and sensitivities around research involving stem cell-based embryo models. Participants were excited by the potential of embryo model research, but also strongly supportive of oversight.”
“Research involving stem cell-based embryo models has enormous potential to improve human knowledge and health, but clearer governance is needed to help researchers work responsibly and maintain public trust. Our Code of Practice addresses this need.”
Sandy Starr, Deputy Director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET) and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Project Team.
How will the Code be enforced?
探花直播Code is not legislative, but the team proposes that it should be adopted by UK researchers, funders, research organisations, professional societies and publishers.
Widespread use is expected to deter the funding and publication of research that fails to meet the standards set out in the Code. As a result, adherence to the Code will become an essential part of credible science, providing increased transparency and accountability for embryo model research.
Given the rapid pace of research using embryo models, the Code will be reviewed regularly.
“Research using stem cell-based embryo models is very new, and our understanding of the science is rapidly evolving. We’ve taken the opportunity to respond to the current situation, and we’ll continue to update the Code of Practice as the science continues to develop,” said Niakan.
“This guidance takes stem cell-based embryo models out of the grey zone and onto more stable footing so we can fully explore their usefulness, while providing the essential reassurance that this research is being conducted carefully and with appropriate scrutiny.”
Dr Peter Rugg-Gunn, Group Leader and Head of Public Engagement at the Babraham Institute, and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group.
Creation of the SCBEM Code of Practice (fully titled: Code of Practice for the Generation and Use of Human Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models) was led by - an interdisciplinary research centre at the 探花直播 of Cambridge - in partnership with the - a charity that improves choices for people affected by infertility and genetic conditions.
探花直播work was funded by the BBSRC, the 探花直播 of Cambridge Impact and Knowledge Exchange fund, and UKRI Sciencewise.
探花直播guidelines can be viewed and downloaded from:
Images: Top: A growing human embryo model. Credit Naomi Moris/ 探花直播 of Cambridge. Bottom: Human stem cell-based embryo model. Credit Irene Zorzan and Teresa Rayon, Babraham Institute.
探花直播text in this work is licensed under a
