Biological sciences and health
Review of Stem Cell Research
POST report, Winter 2011
In 2001, Parliament voted to extend the law to allow research on embryos for therapeutic purposes under strictly regulated conditions. An ad hoc Stem Cell Research Committee was established in the House of Lords to examine whether this extension was justified. A central theme of the Committee's deliberations was whether research on embryonic stem cells offered any potential benefits over and beyond those that might be achieved through research on stems cells derived from adults. Its report in February 2002 concluded that there was a clear scientific case for allowing research on embryonic stem cells to continue. However, the Committee recommended that, after 10 years or so there should be a “further review of scientific developments, particularly of the progress of adult stem cell research and therapies, and of the development of stem cell banks, with a view to determining whether research on human embryos is still necessary... ”. In its response to the ad hoc Committee report, the government accepted this recommendation. POST is currently working on a short report on this subject, looking at developments in stem cells derived from embryos and from adult cells, and summarising potential future developments in the field. For further information, please contact Dr Peter Border.
Personal Genomics
Four page POSTnote, Winter 2011.
In recent years an increasing number of companies have started to offer genotyping services via direct to consumer (DTC) testing. Such companies will analyse a sample of a person's DNA, provide a report analysing the results, and set up an account where customers can compare their genome data with a regularly-maintained database of sequences and their associated traits. The traits tested for vary from one company to another. A typical analysis might include information about ancestry, whether a person carries genes that are known to cause disease if inherited by future generations, and a probabilistic assessment of whether the customer is at increased risk of a range of inherited diseases. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched a review of Direct to Consumer (DTC) testing, in view of .the proliferation of such tests. Within the European context, similar efforts are being made in order to clarify what the market scenario has to offer now, the projections for the near future, and whether the current regulatory frame (or absence off) will be able to protect the consumer.
This POST note will look at the accuracy of the tests, and the strength of the evidence linking specific gene sequences to an increased risk of developing certain conditions (i.e. clinical validity). It will also examine current guidelines and regulations governing the sale of genetics tests direct to the consumer, both within the EU as well as globally, the control and access to data, the clinical validity and utility of the results, the requirements for informed interpretation, access to counselling, and the potential burden that this emerging market may exert on NHS personnel. For further information, please contact Dr Ana Padilla.
Computer games and violence
Four page POSTnote, Winter 2011
This POSTnote will examine the progress made towards ensuring the digital safety of children. It will look at the work to establish a clearer system for the age classification of video games, at the effectiveness of legislation which makes it possible for retailers to be prosecuted for the sale of age-restricted products to underage children, and adherence to advertising guidelines by video games publishers. Finally, it will examine the evidence on which the recommendations were made taking into account the context of wider developments in the field of neuroscience. For further information please contact Hannah Swift.
Biotechnology patents
Four page POSTnote, Winter 2011
Biotechnology has long raised issues for the patent sector. This POSTnote will examine the issues raised by two recent US cases where patents were deemed invalid, assess whether gene patents affect patient access to diagnostic tests and look at other aspects of biotech patenting. This could include the issue of whether whole genome sequencing infringes patents covering individual gene sequences, and the issues raised by the ‘morality clause' in European patent law. This states that patents should not be granted on inventions, the exploitation of which would be contrary to public order or morality. This may have implications for the patentability of human embryonic stem cell lines where the derivation of the line has involved the destruction of a human embryo. For further information please contact Kate Hamer.
Personalised cancer treatments
Four page POSTnote, Winter 2011
In October 2010 the Technology Strategy Board announced the launch of the Stratified Medicine Innovation Platform (SMIP), a partnership of government, researchers and business. This major UK initiative estimates to invest nearly £200m over the next 5 years in R&D areas in personalised medicine, with a key focus on cancer. This POSTnote will explore technological advances that are leading to the potential for molecular diagnoses of tumours and the consequences for drug development and treatment. This note will also consider the current scientific and economic limitations to personalised cancer treatment and the challenges involved in making genetic testing a routine part of cancer diagnosis. For further information please contact Hollie Chandler.