Biological models of human embryos that can develop heartbeats, spinal cords, and other distinctive features are going to be regulated by a code of practice in the UK. These models are made from stem cells and aim to mimic the biological processes that occur in real embryos. By studying these models in the lab, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into how human embryos develop and interact with their environment. This research would not be possible using real embryos donated for research.
While scientists have been working on stem cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) for some time, the technology gained global attention last summer when researchers announced they had successfully created one with a heartbeat and traces of blood. This breakthrough, which does not require eggs or sperm, displayed features typically seen in the third or fourth week of pregnancy.
However, the current UK laws and regulations do not directly address SCBEMs, putting researchers in a challenging position. To provide clarity and guidance, experts from the University of Cambridge and the Progress Educational Trust have developed new guidelines for the research. Dr. Peter Rugg-Gunn, a member of the working group behind the code of practice, stated that the guidelines aim to bring SCBEMs out of the grey area and provide a more stable foundation for research. This will not only ensure that research is conducted responsibly but also reassure the public about the careful scrutiny under which it is performed.
The code emphasizes the importance of considering the emotional responses that SCBEMs with advanced features may evoke and urges researchers to be mindful of these concerns, regardless of their ethical or legal implications. In the UK, current laws allow scientists to culture real human embryos for research purposes for up to 14 days. However, there are ongoing debates about extending this limit to study later stages of embryonic development.
The newly established oversight committee will evaluate each case to determine the permissible duration for growing specific embryo models. While the code does not explicitly prohibit experiments exceeding the 14-day limit, Professor Roger Sturmey, chair of the working group, emphasized that any such experiments would need to be well-justified. Additionally, the code strictly prohibits the transfer of human SCBEMs into a human or animal womb or allowing them to develop into a viable organism in the lab.
Sandy Starr, deputy director of the Progress Educational Trust, anticipates that researchers, funders, institutes, publishers, and regulators will adhere to these guidelines. He noted that scientists who deviate from the code may encounter challenges in publishing their work, securing funding, and facing criticism from their peers. Overall, the development of this code of practice sets a standard for responsible and ethical research on synthetic human embryos in the UK.
