First Ever Transplant Of Complete Organ Grown From Adult Stem Cells

EDM number 144 in 2008-09, proposed by David Amess on 04/12/2008.
Categorised under the topic of Medicine.

That this House notes with regret that the triumph of the first-ever development and transplant of a complete organ, a windpipe, grown in a laboratory from adult stem cells was not announced until after the passing of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008; further notes that the stem cells were obtained from Claudio Castillo, the patient herself, avoiding any risk of rejection and the life-long need for immuno-suppressant drugs; further notes that the stem cells were sent to the UK and grown in a Bristol University laboratory; further notes that the University is a world centre for excellence in adult stem cell research presently using such techniques in clinical trials for the treatment of cystic fibrosis; recalls that in 1990 scientists promoting embryo research made huge promises of treatments which could be achieved, but that all such work has so far proved futile; regrets the departure of adult stem cell pioneer, Professor Colin McGuckin and his team of researchers from the UK to establish the largest adult stem-cell research centre in the world at the University of Lyon; further notes that they attribute their departure to the fact that in the past decade so much Government money has been used for embryo research which has produced nothing, while so little was given to adult stem cell work which in contrast has proved so successful; and calls on the Government to do more to foster research into treatments for desperately ill patients and boost the reputation of UK science.

This motion has been signed by a total of 47 MPs.