NIH announces
processes to enable stem cell research
The NIH Office of Extramural
Research has announced that it is initiating a process to enable researchers
to use federal funds to conduct research using human embryonic stem
cells that existed as of Aug. 9 and that meet the criteria established
by President Bush.
The NIH emphasized that investigators
may not conduct research on any human embryonic stem cells until it
issues the policies and procedures that will enable researchers and
their institutions to document adherence to criteria established by
the president for use of these cells with federal funds(direct and F&A).
NIH has issued an update
on existing human embryonic stem cells information website.
In order to facilitate research
using human embryonic stem cells, NIH is developing a Web-based Human
Embryonic Stem Cell Registry, that will list the human embryonic stem
cells that meet the eligibility criteria. The Registry will be accessible
on the NIH Home Page.
Initially, the Registry will
contain basic information about the cells. This information will include
a unique identifier; the name of the company or laboratory that derived
the cells; contact information for the company/laboratory; and an assurance
that the cells meet the President's criteria. In the future, to further
assist researchers, additional information may also be included in the
Registry, such as details about the derivation of the cells, the number
of passages, culture conditions, and growth characteristics; a description
of efforts to characterize the cells; DNA fingerprinting data; and quality
assurance data.
General questions or comments
about the Registry should be addressed to stemcellregistry@od.nih.gov.
Researchers who are interested in studying or using particular human
embryonic stem cells in their research will be expected to contact the
company/laboratory directly to arrange for access to these cells.
Source: NIH Guide, August 31, 2001
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