News & Events
HFEA grants licence for stem cell research into MND
08 February 2005
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) today announced that it has granted a licence allowing the use of embryonic stem cells to conduct research into the causes of Motor Neurone Disease.
Prof Ian Wilmut, of The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, and Prof Chris Shaw, from the Department of Neurology at King's College Hospital in London , have been granted the licence to clone human embryos for use in researching MND.
Their aim is to use cloning technology developed by Prof Wilmut, the scientist behind Dolly the Sheep, to generate stem cells which can be grown into motor neurones.
By growing motor neurones from these cells, scientists will be able to study the exact progression of motor neurone degeneration in the laboratory for the first time. This will allow them to see what happens in the initial stages of the disease, generating new treatment strategies.
Dr Brian Dickie, Director of Research at the MND Association, said: “Today's announcement means we are a step closer to medical research that has the potential to revolutionise the future treatment of MND.
“All along, the Association has recognised that the area of embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning raises moral, ethical and religious issues, and it's important that these are considered and debated.
“However, in principle, we endorse this research project, on the basis that it is legal, has a sound scientific rationale, and has the potential to bring us closer to treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.”
The next step is for Prof Wilmut and Prof Shaw to secure funding for the research.
Prof Ian Wilmut, of The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, and Prof Chris Shaw, from the Department of Neurology at King's College Hospital in London , have been granted the licence to clone human embryos for use in researching MND.
Their aim is to use cloning technology developed by Prof Wilmut, the scientist behind Dolly the Sheep, to generate stem cells which can be grown into motor neurones.
By growing motor neurones from these cells, scientists will be able to study the exact progression of motor neurone degeneration in the laboratory for the first time. This will allow them to see what happens in the initial stages of the disease, generating new treatment strategies.
Dr Brian Dickie, Director of Research at the MND Association, said: “Today's announcement means we are a step closer to medical research that has the potential to revolutionise the future treatment of MND.
“All along, the Association has recognised that the area of embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning raises moral, ethical and religious issues, and it's important that these are considered and debated.
“However, in principle, we endorse this research project, on the basis that it is legal, has a sound scientific rationale, and has the potential to bring us closer to treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.”
The next step is for Prof Wilmut and Prof Shaw to secure funding for the research.
