Funding ban on research using human stem cells

TWO OF the State’s leading science funding agencies have stated unambiguously for the first time that they will not fund research projects using human embryonic stem cells.

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Health Research Board (HRB) said they would not consider grant applications for projects involving the controversial cell lines.

Both agencies told The Irish Timesthat in the absence of any legislative framework governing the use of stem cells, they had been directed by the Government via the Department of Health not to fund research in the area.

Their stance has prompted fresh calls for a national debate on the ethical issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells.

Advocates maintain the research offers the best chance yet of developing viable therapies for a range of degenerative disorders from Parkinson’s disease to multiple sclerosis, but opponents believe it constitutes a violation of the sanctity of human life.

Dr Orla Hardiman, consultant neurologist at Beaumont Hospital and director of the Irish Stem Cell Foundation, voiced sympathy for the stance taken by the two funding agencies, saying their position was a “function of the legislative vacuum”.

“There is something of a hypocritical approach taken to the issue as Irish people benefit from the use of the embryonic stem research, yet the State refuses to regulate for the appropriate use and limitations of this type of research.”

Dr Hardiman said medical therapies based on the use of stem cells held “great promise” for the treatment of currently intractable conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, but she acknowledged there were ethical issues surrounding the use of these cells for medical purposes.

“As Ireland tries to develop itself as a research-orientated technology- driven society, it is questionable whether we can afford to have such blanket embargoes on research which will significantly limit our competitiveness internationally.”

The Department of Health said it was working on the development of a regulatory framework for assisted human reproduction and related practices, which would encompass embryonic stem cell research.

“Funding for such research will not be approved in the absence of legislation that specifically provides for such research,” it added.

However, several leading scientists contend the State already unwittingly funds numerous research projects which utilise human embryonic kidney cells, and accuse the Government of double standards on the issue.

Director of life sciences at SFI, Dr Stephen Simpson, defended his agency’s policy on stem cells, saying it represented a “pragmatic approach” until the situation is clarified in legislation.

Given the agency’s recent funding initiative is in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust in the UK, where human embryonic stem research is allowed, Dr Simpson said there was a need to clarify the criteria for funding.