Use of hES Cell Lines

With the publication of NIH Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research, we are now ready to provide some interim guidance for intramural scientists on the use of human embryonic stem cell lines:

1. We have created the NIH Intramural Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee, which is chaired by Melissa Colbert, Ph.D.. Other members include Drs. James Battey, Alan DeCherney, Chris Grady, and Susan Marino, and Ms. Barbara McGarey. The Committee is available for advice and assistance as needed.
2. No one in the intramural program may derive a new human embryonic stem cell line, due to the restrictions placed by the Dickey-Wicker amendment for NIH funding
3. A new Stem Cell Registry is being created, which will list lines, following review and approval, that can be used in NIH-funded research. Any line listed on the Registry will be available to an intramural scientist, if the owner is willing to provide it. Information on the Stem Cell Registry is available at http://grants.nih.gov/stem_cells/registry/current.htm.
4. The status of the National Stem Cell Bank (managed through WiCell) is under discussion. We will let you know as soon as we know more.
5. A working group of the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director will review materials submitted to NIH to make recommendations as to whether lines that do not meet the specific requirements of the Guidelines should be eligible for NIH funding. At this time, it is not known which lines will or will not be eligible. However, for ongoing grants, extramural scientists will be allowed to continue research using lines previously eligible under the Bush policy until their grant support comes up for renewal. We have determined that the comparable deadline for intramural scientists will be the day of their next BSC review. However, if someone’s BSC review will occur prior to the end of this calendar year (Dec. 31, 2009), we will provide a one-year extension, comparable to the one-year no cost extension given to grant holders.