Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Statement - Select Committee Report On Hybrid And Chimera Embryos, UK

Main Category: Muscular Dystrophy / ALS
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 22 Apr 2007 - 7:00 PDT

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The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign issued a statement in support of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee report on the Government's proposals for the regulation of hybrid and chimera embryos.

Philip Butcher, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign said, "The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign welcomes the finding of the Science and Technology Committee that necessary legislation should be put in place to allow researchers the regulated use of hybrid embryos."

"Progress in stem cell research is currently hampered by shortage of human eggs and hybrid embryos represent a suitable model to study the biology of cell differentiation and to develop novel techniques and technologies. Stem cell research is still in its infancy, but there is already evidence that it has true therapeutic potential for people with muscular dystrophy and allied conditions."

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign supports tight regulation of research, including the use of embryos. Current regulation states that embryos cannot be kept longer than 14 days in the laboratory and there are further safeguards around the implantation of embryos.

The report can be found at www.parliament.uk For further information about the regulation of research in the UK, see The Medical Research Council and The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

www.muscular-dystrophy.org

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