Key points of the Code
The new SCBEM Code of Practice sets out standards to make sure that research using SCBEMs is rigorous, upholds ethical principles and maximises the potential benefits. Key to this will be a dedicated oversight committee that will review each proposed research project.
The Code recognises that there must be a limit to how long embryo models can be grown in the lab. However, many different types of embryo model are being developed, representing distinct developmental stages and developing at different rates, making it impossible to impose a single fixed limit. Instead, researchers will be required to provide clear justification of the length of their experiments on a case-by-case basis.
The Code prohibits any human SCBEM from being transferred into the womb of a human or animal, or being allowed to develop into a viable organism in the lab.
Professor Niakan said: “Embryo models have huge potential and we want to realise this, while also limiting the risks. The new Code of Practice will allow stem cell-based embryo models to be grown in the lab long enough to gain meaningful biological understanding, but researchers will have to fully justify what they’re doing in scientific and ethical terms.”
How are embryo models useful to research?
Research using embryo models can improve knowledge of human development, including early pregnancy loss and pregnancy disorders, congenital defects and the precursor events that affect adult human health and disease.
The models could also be used for some investigations that are not permitted using human embryos. For example, there are currently significant limitations to clinical trials and the use of many medicines during pregnancy. Models of early development could be helpful to improve options for drug treatments during pregnancy in the future.
Stem cell-based embryo models open new research avenues that can complement, but not replace, the limited studies possible with actual human embryos. The SCBEM Code of Practice states that neither of these areas of research can or should replace the other for the foreseeable future.
How was the Code produced?
The SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group was made up of researchers and practitioners at institutions across the UK, including experts in science, law, ethics and regulation. In drawing up the Code, the team consulted widely with researchers, practitioners, and major funders and regulators of embryo model research.
The work was also informed by a public dialogue, held earlier this year, to explore public attitudes towards research involving embryo models.
Christina Rozeik, Programme Manager of Cambridge Reproduction and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Project Team, said: “Throughout the process of developing the Code of Practice, we’ve been keen to engage with as wide a range of stakeholders as possible, including researchers, experts in law and bioethics, regulators and funders.”
She added: “A public dialogue enabled us to include public voices during the development of the Code, taking account of their hopes, concerns and sensitivities around research involving stem cell-based embryo models. Participants were excited by the potential of embryo model research, but also strongly supportive of oversight.”
Sandy Starr, Deputy Director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET) and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Project Team, said: “Research involving stem cell-based embryo models has enormous potential to improve human knowledge and health, but clearer governance is needed to help researchers work responsibly and maintain public trust. Our Code of Practice addresses this need. It takes into account an extensive range of expert and lay perspectives we’ve gathered over the past year.”
How will the Code be enforced?
The Code is not legislative, but the team proposes that it should be adopted by UK researchers, funders, research organisations, professional societies and publishers.
Widespread use is expected to deter the funding and publication of research that fails to meet the standards set out in the Code. As a result, adherence to the Code will become an essential part of credible science, providing increased transparency and accountability for embryo model research.
Given the rapid pace of research using embryo models, the Code will be reviewed regularly.
Professor Niakan said: “Research using stem cell-based embryo models is very new, and our understanding of the science is rapidly evolving. We’ve taken the opportunity to respond to the current situation, and we’ll continue to update the Code of Practice as the science continues to develop.”
Dr Peter Rugg-Gunn, Group Leader and Head of Public Engagement at the Babraham Institute, and member of the SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group, said: “Establishing this guidance takes stem cell-based embryo models out of the grey zone and onto more stable footing so we can fully explore their usefulness, while providing the essential reassurance that this research is being conducted carefully and with appropriate scrutiny.”
Creation of the SCBEM Code of Practice (fully titled: Code of Practice for the Generation and Use of Human Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models) was led by Cambridge Reproduction – an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Cambridge - in partnership with the Progress Educational Trust (PET) – a charity that improves choices for people affected by infertility and genetic conditions.
The work was funded by the BBSRC, the University of Cambridge Impact and Knowledge Exchange fund, and UKRI Sciencewise.