Commission launches human embryonic stem cell registry
The European Commission has announced the creation of a European registry for human embryonic stem cell lines. The registry should boost the coordination of stem cell research in Europe by providing detailed information on all human embryonic stem cell lines available in Europe. A human embryonic stem cell line is created when stem cells are taken from an early embryo and cultured in the lab. Once created, the cells can be produced indefinitely. It is hoped that the registry will ensure that researchers make effective use of existing cell lines, only creating new ones where there is a clear need. The registry, which will be available to the public via the internet, will contain information on the characteristics of the stem cell lines, where they came from and relevant contact data, as well as news of interesting developments such as clinical trials and information on human embryonic stem cell lines obtained from EU-funded projects. The project, which is funded to the tune of €1 million under the EU's Sixth Framework Programme, brings together all EU countries where the creation of new stem cell lines is permitted by the law, along with Australia, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and the US. It will be coordinated by the Centre of Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona and the Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies in Berlin. The project partners will be supported in their work by an Advisory Board, which will check the quality of the information provided, a Steering Committee to maintain contacts with the human embryonic stem cells research community and an independent Ethics Advisory Board to provide guidance on the information provided and issues such as data protection. 'The EU is 100% committed to the highest possible standards of ethics in regard to its research programme and this includes the use of human embryonic stem cells,' said European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. 'This registry plays an important part, making the most effective use of existing stem cell lines and avoiding the unnecessary creation of new ones. It will also be useful in the creation of common international standardisation for the characterisation of these stem cells, essential for progress towards new cures and therapies.' Under the Sixth Framework Programme, the EU funded just over 100 projects involving stem cell research, of which 18 involve the use of human embryonic stem cells. The rest involve somatic stem cells and adult stem cells, taken from parts of the body such as the bone marrow. Under the Seventh Framework Programme, research activities which destroy human embryos will not be eligible for EU funding, but subsequent research steps involving human embryonic stem cells may receive funding. Proposals involving the use of human embryonic stem cells will be subjected to a scientific evaluation and ethical review.