Scientists expect hybrid ban
Hybrids are created by placing human DNA in animal eggs
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Friday, 05, Jan 2007 01:41
UK scientists are expecting a ban on the use of hybrid embryos - potentially stalling their research into diseases of the nervous system.
Two research teams operating in the UK are expecting the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to reject their applications for the use of hybrid embryos, which are part human and part animal.
They planned to put human DNA into rabbit, cow and goat eggs, a process used in stem cell research when human eggs are limited in supply. The stem cells produced by the embryo in these cases will be used in the study of nervous system diseases like Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease.
But a recent government white paper proposed a ban on the hybrid embryos.
Dr Stephen Minger, a researcher from King's College London, said scientists have been told informally by the HFEA that their applications will be rejected despite making it clear that the embryos would be destroyed after 14 days.
"We think neither the government nor the HFEA has given legitimate reasons for why this research should be banned," he said.
The Department of Health has responded to the researcher's comments saying that the potential ban on hybrid stem cell research is a matter that is yet to be debated by MPs and urged the HFEA to make decisions on current applications based on "the best legal interpretation available to it".
"We are going to put the matter of human-animal embryos, along with all the other proposals set out in the white paper, to parliament for consideration, so there will be further opportunities for MPs to debate these issues," the spokesperson said.