UK backs hybrid embryo research

UK-based scientists will be able to use human-animal hybrid embryos to develop new stem cell treatments after the move was backed in Parliament.

An amendment to the human fertilisation and embryology bill, which would have banned the creation of ‘human admixed embryos’ for medical research, was defeated yesterday in the House of Commons by a majority of 160.

It will allow us to forge ahead on all fronts in our attempts to understand and develop therapies for a huge range of currently incurable diseases

Professor Chris Shaw

Institute of Psychiatry

MPs also voted against a second amendment which would have outlawed the use of ‘true hybrids’ - animal eggs fertilised with human sperm, or vice versa.

It is hoped that the use of embryonic hybrids will increase the supply of material for stem cell research.

The use of such technologies is anticipated to lead to breakthroughs in a wide range of conditions, especially in medical disorders such as motor neurone disease and Parkinson's Disease.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that the use of embryonic cells in medical research would help to develop treatments for millions of people worldwide.

The decision was applauded by members of the scientific community.

Professor Chris Shaw, from the Institute of Psychiatry in London commented: "It will allow us to forge ahead on all fronts in our attempts to understand and develop therapies for a huge range of currently incurable diseases.