Institutions responsible by type of stem cell research

The institutions responsible and types of applications for stem cell research projects are regulated by law.  

For what procedures and to which institutions does an application have to be submitted?

Research project involving human embryonic stem cells imported from abroad

Responsible Ethics committee (EC):
a) Approval by the responsible ethics committee (scientific and ethical assessment of the project)
Competent ethics committee

Responsible Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
b) Licence granted by the FOPH for the import of cell lines (assessment of cell lines and assignment of a reference number)

N.B: linkage
The import of cell lines is only permitted if a specific project has been approved by the EC

Interlinked research procedures

Research project for the derivation of human embryonic stem cells from surplus embryos

Responsible Ethics committee (EC):
a) Approval by the competent EC (scientific and ethical assessment of the associated stem cell project)

Responsible Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):
b) Licence granted by the FOPH for the derivation of cell lines (assessment of the derivation project)

N.B: linkage
Derivation is only permitted if it is linked to a stem cell project.

Interlinked research procedures
 

Research project aimed at improving derivation methods, using surplus embryos

Responsible Ethics committee (EC):
Not responsible

Responsible Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):
Licence granted by the FOPH for the project aimed at improving derivation methods, in consultation with independent experts

Cryopreservation of surplus embryos

Responsible Ethics committee (EC):
Not responsible

Responsible Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):
Licence granted by the FOPH for the derivation project and the project aimed at improving derivation methods

Export of human embryonic stem cells

Responsible Ethics committee (EC):
Not responsible

Responsible Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH):
Licence granted by the FOPH

 

Last modification 05.04.2022