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hESCCO: development of good practice models for hES cell derivation
Sarah B Franklin1, Charles Hunt, Glenda Cornwell
1London School of Economics and Political Science, BIOS Centre, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK. s.franklin@lse.ac.uk
Regenerative Medicine
|December 25, 2007
Summary
The UK established human embryonic stem cell coordinators (hESCCO) to standardize embryo donation for research. This initiative developed national ethical protocols and a consent form, improving transparency and consistency in stem cell research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research Ethics
- Stem Cell Science
- Regulatory Affairs
Background:
- Public sensitivity and logistical challenges impact embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell (hES cell) research.
- Need for standardized ethical protocols and consistent practices in hES cell derivation and banking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a national network of hES cell coordinators (hESCCO) in the UK.
- To develop and implement national standards for hES cell derivation, banking, and ethical protocols.
- To enhance transparency, consistency, efficiency, and standardization in UK hES cell research.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a national network of hES cell coordinators (hESCCO).
- Development and implementation of ethical protocols for patient information and informed consent.
- Drafting and implementation of a national consent form for embryo donation.
Main Results:
- Established hESCCO as a practical intervention for standardizing hES cell derivation.
- Successfully drafted and implemented a national consent form.
- Increased transparency and consistency in hES cell research practices within the UK.
Conclusions:
- The hESCCO initiative provides a model for best practice in hES cell derivation.
- Lessons learned are relevant for practitioners and regulators in other contexts.
- Standardized ethical protocols and consent forms are crucial for sensitive research areas.
