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Ethical Guidelines Presented for Swedish Stem Cell Research
December 04, 2001In brief, the guidelines mean that researchers may take stem cells from embryos that can no longer be used for further IVF treatment. Moreover, the creation of embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (therapeutic cloning) to get access to stem cells is deemed to be ethically defensible. The reason for this is the prospect of major long-term advances in treating diseases. However, therapeutic cloning is not permissible under current law, and the Board of the Swedish Research Council proposes a review of legislation.
The guidelines apply to the ethical review of stem cell research, and the position taken by the Board of the Swedish Research Council yesterday is based upon an extensive process in which facts and opinions have been solicited from experts on the many aspects of the issue.
“It has also been of paramount importance to try to capture and take account of the views of ordinary citizens and society in general,” says Bengt Westerberg, President of the Swedish Research Council.
The Guidelines (The complete document will be available at www.vr.se.)
Stem cells can be acquired in various ways. As regards taking stem cells from adults (so-called adult stem cells), from umbilical blood, and from aborted fetuses, laws and regulations are already in place. Concerning stem cells from embryos, there are many approaches today. In summary, the Swedish Research Council takes the following positions:
Stem cells from embryos created for test-tube fertilization, that is IVF-treatment, and deemed unsuitable for further use there
Use of embryos in research is permissible if there are no acceptable alternatives to attain the equivalent results and if the project is judged to be necessary for the advancement of stem cell research.
The conditions are that the embryos are considered to be of no use in IVF treatment, and that the woman and man whose ova and sperm were used to create the embryo have given their informed consent.
Also, embryos that have been frozen for possible later use in treatment may be used for stem cell research providing that their storage is to be terminated. This presupposes the informed consent of the woman and man whose ova and sperm were used to create the embryo.
Stem cells for research purposes may be taken from embryos no more than two weeks after fertilization (excluding time in frozen state). Research projects with embryonic stem cells must be limited to the number of embryos that can be considered necessary for the implementation of the project. The Act (1991:115) on Measures for Purposes of Research and Treatment Involving Fertilized Human Ova and the Health and Medical Care Act (1982:763) apply.
Stem cells from embryos created solely for research purposes
The alternative to the use of redundant embryos at IVF clinics is to create embryos solely for research. It should be possible for this to be done in the form of voluntary donations from men and women. At present, however, in deference to international agreements and the like, such donations are not a method for acquiring stem cells that is endorsed by the Swedish Research Council for use in Sweden.
Stem cells from embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer, so-called therapeutic cloning
The long-term benefits regarding medical treatment based on this technique could be great. It can therefore be seen as ethically defensible to pursue pure scientific research with the objective of establishing stem cells containing the same DNA as patients in need of cell transplants. However, such activities should be conditional in that a government authority should issue a license and monitor the activities. It is also the opinion of Swedish Research Council that this should be preceded by a law prohibiting the implantation of such embryos in a woman’s womb. Under these conditions, normal ethical reviews of research can then be undertaken, pursuant to the regulations laid down in the legislation now being written for this purpose.
Future Developments
Developments in research on stem cells are extremely rapid. It is therefore imperative that the Swedish Research Council continue to monitor this issue and the way it is handled. It is of critical importance that the scientific community be open to the scrutiny of society in general. At present the Swedish Research Council is busy charting Swedish stem cell research and is also planning a series of initiatives to promote discussion and to capture further issues entailed by the field.
More Information
The Swedish Research Council’s home page www.vr.se will display further information on the guidelines. The pressconference at 11.00 PM Dec. 4 will also be webcasted.
Vetenskapsrådet (The Swedish Research Council)
Stem cells can be acquired in various ways. As regards taking stem cells from adults (so-called adult stem cells), from umbilical blood, and from aborted fetuses, laws and regulations are already in place. Concerning stem cells from embryos, there are many approaches today. In summary, the Swedish Research Council takes the following positions:
Stem cells from embryos created for test-tube fertilization, that is IVF-treatment, and deemed unsuitable for further use there
Use of embryos in research is permissible if there are no acceptable alternatives to attain the equivalent results and if the project is judged to be necessary for the advancement of stem cell research.
The conditions are that the embryos are considered to be of no use in IVF treatment, and that the woman and man whose ova and sperm were used to create the embryo have given their informed consent.
Also, embryos that have been frozen for possible later use in treatment may be used for stem cell research providing that their storage is to be terminated. This presupposes the informed consent of the woman and man whose ova and sperm were used to create the embryo.
Stem cells for research purposes may be taken from embryos no more than two weeks after fertilization (excluding time in frozen state). Research projects with embryonic stem cells must be limited to the number of embryos that can be considered necessary for the implementation of the project. The Act (1991:115) on Measures for Purposes of Research and Treatment Involving Fertilized Human Ova and the Health and Medical Care Act (1982:763) apply.
Stem cells from embryos created solely for research purposes
The alternative to the use of redundant embryos at IVF clinics is to create embryos solely for research. It should be possible for this to be done in the form of voluntary donations from men and women. At present, however, in deference to international agreements and the like, such donations are not a method for acquiring stem cells that is endorsed by the Swedish Research Council for use in Sweden.
Stem cells from embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer, so-called therapeutic cloning
The long-term benefits regarding medical treatment based on this technique could be great. It can therefore be seen as ethically defensible to pursue pure scientific research with the objective of establishing stem cells containing the same DNA as patients in need of cell transplants. However, such activities should be conditional in that a government authority should issue a license and monitor the activities. It is also the opinion of Swedish Research Council that this should be preceded by a law prohibiting the implantation of such embryos in a woman’s womb. Under these conditions, normal ethical reviews of research can then be undertaken, pursuant to the regulations laid down in the legislation now being written for this purpose.
Future Developments
Developments in research on stem cells are extremely rapid. It is therefore imperative that the Swedish Research Council continue to monitor this issue and the way it is handled. It is of critical importance that the scientific community be open to the scrutiny of society in general. At present the Swedish Research Council is busy charting Swedish stem cell research and is also planning a series of initiatives to promote discussion and to capture further issues entailed by the field.
More Information
The Swedish Research Council’s home page www.vr.se will display further information on the guidelines. The pressconference at 11.00 PM Dec. 4 will also be webcasted.
Vetenskapsrådet (The Swedish Research Council)
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSNew discovery about the formation of new brain cells
The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells.
Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant may help lung, heart disorders
Two separate studies published in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (18:8), - now freely available on-line have shown that transplanted human-derived umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells transplanted in an animal model had positive therapeutic effects on specific lung and heart disorders the animal models.
Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants
A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics.
New research shows versatility of amniotic fluid stem cells
For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that stem cells found in amniotic fluid meet an important test of potential to become specialized cell types, which suggests they may be useful for treating a wider array of diseases and conditions than scientists originally thought.
First 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.
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