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Statement from the European Life Sciences Group
December 19, 2001The promises and concerns engendered by stem cell research triggered debate world-wide. European citizens realise the significance of these issues and expect guidance to deal with them. The European Life Sciences Group thanks the European Commission and the European Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, for arranging such a stimulating meeting on "Stem cells: Therapies for the Future?" and thereby contributing to the ongoing European dialogue on this subject.
The current research on human stem cells, either from differentiated tissue or from embryos, is scientifically sound and medically promising and should be actively developed and supported. Although the use of human stem cells in regenerative medicine is still at an early stage of development, it has the potential to deliver real progress in the treatment of various severe diseases.
The Group agrees that:
* The EU should continue to support research with all sources of human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells.
* Reproductive cloning should be prohibited.
* Derivation of human embryonic stem cells from nuclear transplants (so-called therapeutic cloning) has not been achieved and appears to raise considerable difficulties. Research into additional strategies to overcome immune rejection is therefore to be strongly encouraged.
* Although the Group respects the special moral status of the human embryo even prior to implantation, it agrees on the use of spare human embryos for the preparation of embryonic stem cell lines. Research on human embryonic stem cells should be carefully regulated, peer reviewed, scientifically sound, directed towards substantial goals and ethically controlled.
* Publicly and privately funded research should be subject to the same regulations.
* A European registry of human embryonic stem cell lines should be established.
In summary, the Group considers that research on human stem cells offers valuable venues into developmental biology and medicine which could revolutionise therapy perhaps on a scale comparable to the introduction of antibiotics.
European Commission, Research Directorate
* The EU should continue to support research with all sources of human stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells.
* Reproductive cloning should be prohibited.
* Derivation of human embryonic stem cells from nuclear transplants (so-called therapeutic cloning) has not been achieved and appears to raise considerable difficulties. Research into additional strategies to overcome immune rejection is therefore to be strongly encouraged.
* Although the Group respects the special moral status of the human embryo even prior to implantation, it agrees on the use of spare human embryos for the preparation of embryonic stem cell lines. Research on human embryonic stem cells should be carefully regulated, peer reviewed, scientifically sound, directed towards substantial goals and ethically controlled.
* Publicly and privately funded research should be subject to the same regulations.
* A European registry of human embryonic stem cell lines should be established.
In summary, the Group considers that research on human stem cells offers valuable venues into developmental biology and medicine which could revolutionise therapy perhaps on a scale comparable to the introduction of antibiotics.
European Commission, Research Directorate
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSFirst reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
Bone Implant Offers Hope for Skull Deformities
A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the plates in the skull to fuse too soon.
Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.
Is hepatic differentiation of embryonic stem cells induced by valproic acid and cytokines?
Embryonic stem (ES) cells, known for their capacity to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into almost all types of cells including hepatocytes, have raised the hope of cellular replacement therapy for liver failure.
Paradoxical protein might prevent cancer
One difficulty with fighting cancer cells is that they are similar in many respects to the body's stem cells. By focusing on the differences, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way of tackling colon cancer. The study is presented in the prestigious journal Cell.
U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence
A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may also be detrimental for health
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine is not always beneficial for human health, it may even be harmful according to a work done by the University of Granada and University of León. Scientists have demonstrated that transplantation of human mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood exerted a deleterious effect in rats with liver cirrhosis.
Penn Study Provides First Clear Idea of How Rare Bone Disease Progresses
An international team of scientists, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, is taking the first step in developing a treatment for a rare genetic disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which the body's skeletal muscles and soft connective tissue turns to bone, immobilizing patients over a lifetime with a second skeleton.
Iowa State University researcher discovers key to vital DNA, protein interaction
A researcher at Iowa State University has discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances."
Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells
Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome.
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