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EC creates registry for human embryonic stem cell lines
Brussels,
29 March 2007
The European Commission has today agreed funding for the creation of a
European registry for human embryonic stem cell lines. The main objective
of this new initiative, funded through the EU's Research Framework
Programme, is to provide comprehensive information about all human
embryonic stem cells lines available in Europe. A publicly accessible
internet site will contain high quality data about the cell lines (e.g. cell
characteristics) and will inform on interesting developments, such as clinical
trials. There will be details on the sources of the stem cell lines and
contact data. The registry will also include information on human embryonic
stem cell lines obtained from on-going and future EU-funded projects. 81
different lines are currently used in EU projects. The project has been
agreed for 3 years, with EU funding of just over €1m.
“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. We have a strict
and transparent environment for their use in place in our programme,”
said European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik.
“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.”
A human embryonic stem cell line is a culture of stem cells isolated from
an early human embryo; this cell culture can be grown indefinitely in the
laboratory. By keeping a register of all existing lines, the stem cell
registry will enhance the coordination and efficiency of human embryonic
stem cell (hESC) research in Europe. It will allow the monitoring of existing
hESCs in Europe and ensure they are better used by scientists.
This EU registry is the largest initiative of its kind in the world, and
testament to the leading role of Europe in this type of research within
tight ethical limits. 10 EU countries are involved in the registry -
Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain,
Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK – all of whom are active in this
research. Every EU country that allows the creation of new stem cell lines
is involved in the initiative. This will facilitate/ensure the collection
of information from all lines produced in the EU. Israel, Switzerland,
Turkey, the US and Australia will also be involved in the project. The project
will receive €1m of financing from the EU's Sixth Research Framework
Programme. The registry will be operated jointly by the Centre of
Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona and the Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for
Regenerative Therapies in Berlin.
Within the project, an Advisory Board will ensure the highest possible
quality of the information provided. A Steering Committee with national
contact points will ensure the connection with the hESC research community
and provide updates. And independent Ethics Advisory Board will provide
ethical guidance on the information provided and issues such as data
protection.
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