MS Society Calls On MPs To Support New Avenues Of Research, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research;  Fertility
Article Date: 21 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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The MS Society has called on MPs to throw their weight behind the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which will be debated in the House of Commons.

In a letter addressed to every Member of Parliament, the MS Society is among seven charities asking politicians to support the Bill, which if approved could open new avenues of research into conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The much-publicised Bill lays out plans to allow scientists to create four types of embryos containing both human and animal DNA, known as human admixed embryos, under licence. This would help overcome the problem of a current shortage of donated human eggs for embryonic stem cell research.

MS Society chief executive, Simon Gillespie, said: "The use of hybrid embryos is an important part of stem cell research.

"At the moment, there are limited options for scientists investigating the use of stem cells and as a result, their full potential is yet to be realised.

"Diseases such as MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have a devastating impact on more than a million families throughout the UK; families to whom stem cell research could offer vital hope."

There is currently no cure for MS and few effective therapies. The MS Society believes it is essential to keep all possible avenues of research open and supports the use of the best technology available to achieve its goals of finding effective treatments for people with MS.

View coverage in the The Times newspaper, which refers to the letter

MS Society