Is the end of EU embryonic stem cell funding nigh?

Patient associations and leading research funders have called on the European Parliament to continue EU funding for embryonic stem cell research. The Wellcome Trust issued the group’s joint statement last Friday 15th June, ahead of parliamentary debates this week in which MEPs will discuss the EU’s next major research and innovation funding programme, ‘Horizon 2020’.

Horizon 2020 will be the European Union’s major research funding programme from 2014 to 2020. The current draft version of the programme provides for funding of stem cell research, including work on embryonic stem cells. However, the group of patient associations and leading biomedical research funders have spoken out because, ‘these provisions are under threat from pro-life MEPs who believe that public funds should not be spent on embryonic stem cell research’.

The joint statement was issued by the Association of Medical Research Charities (UK), the British Heart Foundation, the European Genetic Alliances’ Network, the UK’s Medical Research Council, Parkinson’s UK and the charitable health foundation The Wellcome Trust. Together, they set out the medical, scientific and economic importance of embryonic stem cell research in Europe.

Sir Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, said,
“The European Parliament must send a clear sign that it recognises the importance of embryonic stem cell research. While the amount of funding allocated to such research under Horizon 2020 is likely to be only a small portion of the overall budget, to close down such a vital avenue of research would be a massive blow to European science. It will significantly set back research into very serious diseases including Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis and is likely to cost European research its competitive advantage.”

The joint statement considers how an end to human ES cell funding would affect Europe’s competitive position in the field, and also comments on the impact of the recent European Court of Justice case on stem cell patenting.

The statement points out that: ‘The field of research is complex. To enable scientists to best understand the massive potential of stem cells, scientists must be able to continue research in all avenues of stem cell research: this includes adult, induced pluripotent, embryonic and fetal stem cells. It is too early to tell which route will be most effective for ultimate clinical use, so it is essential to keep all avenues of research open’.

More information and link to the full joint statement

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