23 January 2007

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has given written evidence to the House of Commons’ Science and Technology Committee to assist its investigation into the regulation of animal/human hybrid, or “chimera”, embryo research.

The proposals, announced in a recent Government white paper, may have a significant impact on some types of stem cell research, including a number of current and potential projects looking at muscle disease.

Summary of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s submission
The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign believes that stem cell research may lead in time to new treatments and effective cures for muscle disease and neuromuscular conditions in addition to other serious illnesses and diseases. However, there is a shortage of donor eggs for research purposes which slows and delays the vital research effort.
The charity believes that the existing legislation should be extended to allow this problem to be addressed through the use of chimeras which use the existing technique (already licensed by the HFEA) of cell nuclear replacement. These embryos would not in any circumstances be allowed to develop beyond 14 days, of course, and would never be implanted in a human or animal womb – they are simply a source of cells for research. This research should be tightly regulated by the HFEA. We also believe that there is a need for greater public understanding of the issues involved.

You can download the full statement here: Evidence to select committee (61 kb) [doc]