November 9, 2001

NIH Releases Embryonic Stem Cell Registry and Related Notices; Extends Grant Deadline

The NIH Nov. 7 released the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry. The Registry lists the human embryonic stem cell lines - at varying stages of development - that meet the eligibility criteria set by President Bush on Aug. 9. The NIH also announced that it was extending the deadline for submitting stem cell grant applications until Nov. 27.

Although the Registry lists 72 lines, the total number of available lines is difficult to discern. The NIH Registry lists sub clones of previously announced lines and some lines are listed twice since they are available from multiple sources.

In addition, NIH published three related notices.

• A notice formally listing the President's criteria of embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federal funding:
  • The stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes;
    
  • The embryo was no longer needed for these purposes;
    
  • Informed consent must have been obtained for the donation of the embryo;
    
  • No financial inducements were provided for donation of the embryo; and
    
  • The derivation process must have occurred before 9:00 p.m. on Aug. 9, the beginning of the President's nationally televised address.
    
    
• A notice withdrawing the existing NIH Guidelines on using pluripotent stem cells. The guidelines regarding embryonic fetal cells were not withdrawn; and
• A notice informing the community that applicants who wish to submit for the Oct. 1 receipt date for new, competing applications or Nov. 1 for competing renewals and competing supplements may do so. Applications for the use of human embryonic stem cells will be considered as late as Nov. 27, 2001 for this one round only.

Information: Tony Mazzaschi, AAMC Division of Biomedical and Health Sciences Research, 202-828-0059.