Stem cell research
We're dedicated to saving lives by developing
better treatments and cures for heart conditions. We support
essential research using stem cells because we believe they have
the potential to cure conditions that are incurable today. This
includes debilitating heart failure, which can follow a heart
attack.
However, there is still so much we do not know about stem cells.
Research is vital to advance our knowledge and make lifesaving
treatments a reality.
We fund research that uses stem cells from
human or animal embryos, and adult tissues, because we believe that
both approaches are important. Many of the
advances in stem cell research have only been possible
through the knowledge and insight gained using embryonic stem
cells. We recognise that this is an area some people have concerns
about.
Embryonic stem cells
Embryonic stem cells used in research are donated by couples
that have undergone in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. They
have chosen to donate embryos that would have otherwise been
destroyed, so that stem cells can be extracted from them for use in
research. Only embryos at a very early stage of development (up to
14 days) can be used.
We'll only fund research using embryonic stem cells where:
- the application has been through a thorough peer
review process, during which researchers must show that
this project could not be carried out in another way.
- there is a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology
Authority.
- there is ethical approval from an independent
Research Ethics Committee.
More work to be done
Heart and circulatory disease is still the UK’s single biggest
killer, but stem cell research holds real promise for combating
disease and saving lives in the future.
For more information please
download our stem
cell research leaflet, read our policy
statement or email policy@bhf.org.uk