Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

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Stem cell

The Government is making a sustained investment in stem cell research and is committed to ensuring a stable regulatory climate. Stem cell research offers the potential to deliver new treatments for many diseases for which there are currently no effective cures including chronic heart disease and Parkinson's.

Cord blood banking in the UK

Published: 12 January 2009

In March 2008, the Department commissioned a review of current UK practice in umbilical cord blood (UCB) collection and use compared to other parts of the world.  The review and its report has been completed and published below.   Copies have also been placed in the library of the Houses of Parliament.

Warning on unproven stem cell treatments

Published: 4 December 2008

The Department of Health is aware of international, web-based schemes which purport to offer patients “stem cell treatments”, “stem cell therapies” or participation in “stem cell trials”. These claim to involve treatments for a variety of diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, HIV infection, Parkinson’s Disease and Cerebral Palsy. The schemes promise to treat UK patients overseas “for free.” However, it is clear that there are, in fact, significant hidden costs and risks for potential patients.  Some such schemes have already been shut down by the local regulatory agencies, but others remain in operation.  For patients who are considering involvement in such “stem cell trials”, we strongly recommend that you:

  1. Discuss participation in such schemes with your GP or Consultant.
  2. Read “The Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies” just issued by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR).
  3. Check with the Department of Health whether a stem cell treatment has been approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies in the UK, by emailing any information to the address below

Please also note that the MS Society has issued a statement on this issue.

UK Stem Cell Initiative

The Government welcomes the recommendations in the UK Stem Cell Initiative (UKSCI) conducted by Sir John Pattison. The Government has announced that £100m will be made available for UK stem cell research over the next two years to help develop treatments for devastating illnesses and medical conditions for which there is currently no cure.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the very early cells that can develop into almost all other types of cell and tissue. They occur in the early (5-day) embryo when it is a tiny ball of about 100 cells before it implants in the uterus (embryonic stem cells or "ES cells"). They also occur in significant numbers in some tissues in the developing fetus and in cord blood at birth. They can also be found in some adult tissue, e.g. bone marrow, but they are difficult to isolate, being present in very small numbers.

CMO's Progress on Policy article

In June 1999, Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was asked to advise the government on whether the existing research on stem cells should be added to in order to allow research for the purpose of understanding adult disease. After consideration of the medical, ethical and scientific issues involved he produced a report called 'Stem Cell Research: Medical Progress with Responsibility'. These are the chapterised online versions of this report. The full report can also be downloaded as a PDF.

Stem cell key documents

Key stem cell documents and policy statements by the Government.

Additional links

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

The HFEA is a non-departmental Government body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics providing IVF, donor insemination or the storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA also licenses and monitors all human embryo research being conducted in the UK.

Human Genetics Commission (HGC)

The HGC is the Government's advisory body on how new developments in human genetics will impact on people and on health care. It advises ministers on all aspects of human genetics including social and ethical concerns.

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