Stem cell research requires legislation and guidelines

Developing human embryos, nucleated by somatic cell nuclear transfer, pictured in their third day of development. Biologists at Oregon Health & Science University have created human stem cells using cloning techniques. Photograph: Oregon Health & Science University/Reuters

Divide and conquer: a clear legal framework for stem cell research is long overdue. Photograph: Colin Anderson

This week brought the news that it is now possible to create tailored embryonic stem cells using cell cloning techniques, bringing the promise of personalised medicine one step closer.

Media have confused cellular or therapeutic cloning with people or reproductive cloning, leading many to groundlessly worry about an unregulated Orwellian future. In actuality, human clones already exist, even in Ireland: they are called identical twins and there is consensus among researchers and clinicians that an endeavour to artificially twin people is not only morally repugnan t but also of little scientific or medical interest.

The focus rather should be on our lack of biomedical legislation and the potential danger this vacuum creates for patients to be misled, scammed or have their lives put at risk.

Power of petri dish The latest breakthrough means it will be easier to develop better drugs and understand many human diseases by recapitulating aspects of them using tailored stem cells in the petri dish. Cell replacement strategies, however, where a patient is given stem-cell-derived matched cells, are still years away. These require a much greater level of understanding than exists at present and further clinical trials are needed.

Over the years, Ireland has built itself up as a world leader in biomedical research, yet the lack of regulations on stem cell research has meant that Ireland risks leaving itself behind in this developing field of science. This is not only potentially detrimental to the development of treatments for patients in Ireland, but also means Ireland is likely to lose out on investment in biomedical research as companies opt to locate where no such legal vacuum exists.

Our own science funding bodies, Science Foundation Ireland and the Health Research Board, have stated that they will not fund such research until legislation is in place, so it is unsurprising that biotech companies have followed suit.

In light of the health and economic benefits that stem cell research is likely to bring, the lack of legislation in this area is incomprehensible.

Barriers to progress Embryonic stem cell research has its opponents, yet two independent reports recommended the introduction of legislation. In 2005 the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (a government-appointed body) recommended the introduction of legislation in this area. It outlined detailed recommendations on the scope of the research and the licensing procedures that should be followed. The recommended legislation would have provided protections for the embryo and also brought legal clarity to this area.

Continued here:
Stem cell research requires legislation and guidelines