ReNeuron welcomes UK hybrid embryo vote

Responding to the UK Parliamentary vote to approve research on stem cells derived from human-animal hybrid embryos, British stem cell therapy specialists ReNeuron welcomed the move, noting that it represents the first round of votes on a number of provisions in, and amendments to, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill.

Michael Hunt, chief executive of ReNeuron, said: "although ReNeuron's research activities are not directly affected by the provisions in the Bill, our position has always been to support all avenues of stem cell research where conducted under appropriate legal and ethical guidelines. We view [the] decision as a significant step forward in strengthening the UK's reputation as a progressive and supportive place in which to conduct such research."

He continued: "our hope is that the UK's reputation for supporting such pioneering early-stage stem cell research will be mirrored by further UK government support for later-stage, translational research activities such as that undertaken by ReNeuron. The focus of this translational research is to harness the immense potential of stem cells and convert them into safe and effective treatments for patients suffering from the many debilitating diseases that stem cells have the potential to treat or even cure."