ASH Supports Changes to the NIH Human Stem Cell Research Guidelines and the Development of Chimeric Models

ASH submitted comments to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the proposed amendment to the guidelines for human stem cell research eligible for NIH funding and providing suggestions for the proposed scope of human-animal chimera research. The Society’s recommendations call for a distinction in the regulation of the different types of human stem cells (i.e., embryonic stem cells vs. induced pluripotent stem cells), a focus on chimeric research that has direct application to human disease, and the inclusion of an expert in hematopoietic stem cell development on the NIH steering committee for chimeric research. ASH’s comments were based on the Society’s statement in support of all avenues of stem cell research, the ASH Agenda for Hematology Research, and input from members of the scientific committees on Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation & Cellular Therapies, the ASH Committee on Scientific Affairs, and the ASH Committee on Government Affairs.