Loophole could allow human stem cell research in UK

Despite the government's recent announcement of a delay in making a decision on whether to allow human embryo research using cloning techniques, it appears that some research may be legally possible in the UK. So-called therapeutic cloning attempts to marry developments in embryo stem cell research with cloning technology, in the hope of being able to grow genetically compatible tissue for the the treatment of a variety of degenerative and other disorders. Such research is already under way in the US.

In December last year, two committees that advise the government on human genetics and embryology recommended that the law be changed to allow such research while maintaining the ban on the use of cloning for reproduction. The government recently announced that another six-month study would be needed before a decision can be made.

However, stem cells, derived from early human embryos, could legally be imported into the UK. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority - which regulates and licenses human embryo research in the UK - says that because stem cells are not technically embryos it would not be necessary to apply for a licence to import these cells. Researchers hope to develop ways of directing the growth of these undifferentiated primordial cells into particular cell types.