Endocrine Insider
June 3, 2009

In response to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) request for information regarding its draft guidelines on stem cell research, The Endocrine Society encouraged NIH to increase the breadth of the type of stem cell research it will fund.  Specifically, the Society supports the use of federal funds for research on stem cells generated through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and for the derivation of stem cell lines.  The Society stated agreement with the agency’s strict guidelines for the ethical procurement of IVF embryos for use in the derivation of stem cell lines, but requested that NIH not apply its criteria retroactively to already available lines.

Though federal funding of stem cell derivation is currently prohibited by law, the Society feels that this crucial and ethically delicate process would be best controlled under the guidance of the federal government.  In its comments, the Society states its understanding of the legal limitations the agency faces, but also states its support for federal funding and control of the derivation of hESC lines.  Additionally, the Society urges the NIH to position itself in favor of SCNT and to clearly state the scientific basis of the need for SCNT to set the tone of public discourse on the issue.

To read the Society’s comments to NIH on its draft stem cell guidelines, click here.