The human embryonic stem cell registry is now online. To date, no human embryonic stem cell lines have been derived in the course of CIHR-funded projects. Investigators who derived lines prior to June 2009 in institutions that receive Agency funds are being asked if they wish to voluntarily list their cell lines. Those cell lines will be listed in the registry should investigators agree to share the information.

The Policy Details document has been renamed Policy Highlights to better reflect its purpose. Research to derive human pluripotent stem cell lines from human somatic tissues has been added to the types of research that do not require Stem Cell Oversight Committee (SCOC) review. In the course of the last year, SCOC has determined that additional human embryonic stem cell lines were created in a manner consistent with the Guidelines; these have been added to the list of approved human embryonic stem cell lines.

In addition, the procedures for submitting stem cell research applications, the Frequently Asked Questions, and the application forms have been updated.

Please note that the Guidelines are typically updated on an annual basis, and will be posted in June. CIHR continues to work in close collaboration with Health Canada to ensure that the Guidelines are in harmony with the regulations that are being developed for the Act. Should any change to the Act or its regulations require modifications of the Guidelines, outside of the annual update, these will be posted prominently on the CIHR website.

Should you require any additional information, please contact:    
Lynne Cayer
Ethics Policy Advisor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Email: stemcell@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Phone: 613-952-4264
Fax: 613-954-1800