HFEA defers decision on human-animal egg cells

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said today it had deferred making a decision on applications by scientists to use chimera (human-animal) cells to derive stem cells for reserach into diseases such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The HFEA says it plans to consult before reconsidering the applications in the Autumn.

Dr Brian Dickie, Director of Research Development at the MND Association, said:

"It is disappointing that this research will be held up. However, we understand that the HFEA needs to consult more widely on this matter. We welcome their desire to make a decision based on the best available information.

"MND causes nerve cells that control movement to die. At present, there is no viable way of studying living human motor neurons in the laboratory, which is greatly inhibiting understanding of the disease and the search for effective treatments. Stem cells offer us a potential source of motor neurons for research, but it is clear that progress in this area is hampered by a lack of human eggs.

"We support any approach that could speed up this field of research, so long as it is legal and has a sound scientific rationale."