at the University of Pécs and at the University of Debrecen
Identification number: TÁMOP-4.1.2-08/1/A-2009-0011
ETHICAL ISSUES
Dr. Judit Pongrácz
Three dimensional tissue cultures and tissue engineering – Lecture 27
at the University of Pécs and at the University of Debrecen
Identification number: TÁMOP-4.1.2-08/1/A-2009-0011
No ethical issues raised
• Autologous cells
• No life threatening conditions
More ethical questions
• Advanced human tissue engineering therapies may also be used for life-threatening conditions
• Embryonic stem cells
• Xenogeneic cells
Regulation in Europe
• Best regulated at European level
• European framework laws
• Directives adopted by the European Commission and the European Parliament must be incorporated in national law
The most relevant documents
• Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU
• Convention on Biomedicine
Ruling in 2011
A single cell from an embryo can be considered as a human being.
USA
• Embryonic stem cells cannot be used
• Only established cell lines can be used in research
• Adult stem cells can be applied in research
ECONOMIC
SIGNIFICANCE
Dr. Judit Pongrácz
Three dimensional tissue cultures and tissue engineering – Lecture 28
at the University of Pécs and at the University of Debrecen
Identification number: TÁMOP-4.1.2-08/1/A-2009-0011
Biotechnology
• Medical
• Pharmaceutical
• Agricultural, etc
Significance in the US
• In 2001, 3,300 scientists and support staff worked in tissue engineering alone
• Over 70 start-up companies
• Investment of 3.5 billion US dollars
Significance in the EU
• Fast growing
• STILL
• No venture capital in Europe
Big Pharma
• Refocusing to cell based therapies
• Novel therapeutic approaches just in treatment of diabetic patients alone