Cloned cell research set for go-ahead

Date: 16/01/03

By Peter Chapman

THE European Commission is set to recommend the limited use of cloned cells for research into new health therapies.

The recommendation is likely to form part of a report on the use of stem cells for research - due to be unveiled by science Commissioner Philippe Busquin next month.

However, his spokesman Fabio Fabbi said the report would not tackle the politically charged issue of cloning complete human foetuses as a source of stem cells or for human reproduction, recently rejected as totally unethical and dangerous by Busquin.

Cloning cells, instead of foetuses capable of life, would remove many of the ethical questions raised over the issue.

"As far as "therapeutic cloning" is concerned of course we have to think about it. One possibility would not be to clone the whole embryo but cells," said Fabbi.

There was global outrage from religious groups and many scientists after a Canadian cult, "the Realiens", claimed to have successfully cloned a human earlier this month.

Some countries - including Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany and Austria - have concerns over the research, which often uses cells gleaned from aborted babies.

However, Fabbi said the Commission report will insist member states should have the final decision over whether local researchers should be allowed to conduct any form of stem-cell research, including EU-funded projects.

Stem cells are types of cell found in the human body that have the potential to work in many different parts of the body, from the heart to the brain.

They have become a focus of medical research because scientists believe they can use them to find cures for diseases including Parkinson's disease, diabetes and heart disease.

The European Commission is set to recommend the limited use of cloned cells for research into new health therapies.