Do Regulations Exist in Canada Regarding Stem Cell Research?

Regulations governing stem cell research in Canada have existed since 2002. Ethical guidelines and federal laws regulate government funding and prohibit particular acts related to stem cell research.

Origins

• The initial regulatory framework for stem cell research in Canada are the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Guidelines for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research, which offer ethical criteria for the approval of scientific research grants. The CIHR established these guidelines to address rapidly evolving science while ensuring ethical and scientific oversight.

Ethical Guidelines

• Federal government funding for stem cell research is regulated by the Canadian funding agencies' Tri-Council Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans and the CIHR's Updated Guidelines for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research 2007.

Laws

• Established in 2004, the Assisted Human Reproduction Act prohibits particular activities related to stem cell research including creating in vitro embryos for research and accepting payment for stem cell research tissues. According to Stem Cell Network, Canada's Food and Drug Act is also applicable as stem cell therapies are biologics and must be approved by Health Canada for use in clinical trials.

Governing Bodies

• Stem cell research grants require approval by an interagency Stem Cell Oversight Committee, local Research Ethics Boards and, where applicable, an Animal Care Committee. Assisted Human Reproduction Canada is the federal agency responsible for licensing stem cell research activities.

Future Regulations

• As technology advances and public opinion changes, stem cell regulations in Canada will change as well. Ethical guidelines are constantly updated and federal regulations continue to evolve.