The ISSCR forms embryo models working group

Since the ISSCR released its May 2021 update to the Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, research with stem cell-based embryo models has evolved rapidly. During the extensive conversations leading up to the 2021 guidelines update, many of the embryo models that are being used today did not exist. The speed of embryo model research has resulted in new challenges for oversight committees, policymakers, funders, and journal editors grappling with how to assess the unique aspects of the science and the associated ethical and regulatory issues.

Acknowledging the escalating need to better define the area of research, the ISSCR has established an Embryo Models Working Group comprising international leaders with expertise in stem cell science, clinical applications, ethics, and regulatory affairs to consider new guidance for the field. The group is led by Amander Clark, UCLA, USA and Janet Rossant, Gairdner Foundation and Hospital for Sick Children, Canada. The group intends to publish a white paper that summarizes the current state of the science, defines the different types of embryo models, and outlines recommendations for updating the ISSCR Guidelines to accommodate the rapid advancement of this new technology. 

An opportunity for public consultation on the white paper will be provided at two stages. First, the group will publish the white paper on a preprint server encouraging review by the scientific community. Second, the working group chairs will host a webinar later this year to explain the rationale for the draft recommendations and field questions from stakeholders. This input will be incorporated prior to submitting the white paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Following publication, the working group will deliver its recommendations to the ISSCR Board of Directors for consideration as an amendment to the current ISSCR Guidelines.

Embryo Models Working Group Members
Amander Clark, Co-Chair, UCLA, USA
Janet Rossant, Co-Chair, Gairdner Foundation and Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
Heidi Cook-Andersen, UCSD, USA
Sarah Franklin, University of Cambridge, UK
Rosario Isasi, University of Miami, USA
Debra Mathews, Johns Hopkins University, USA
Vincent Pasque, University of Leuven, Belgium
Peter Rugg-Gunn, Babraham Institute, UK
Patrick Tam, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Australia
Hongmei Wang, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Xiaomei Zhai, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Jan Żylicz, Novo Nordisk Foundation for Stem Cell Medicine, Denmark

###