Do I need a licence to store stem cells (including bone marrow stem cells) to treat patients?
Yes. A licence is needed if tissue or cells are stored for the intention of treatment as of 7 April 2006. This includes stem cells from adults and children. The Human Tissue Act does not apply to material created outside the body, so cell lines are currently excluded from the Human Tissue Act. When the EU Tissue and Cells Directive (EUTCD) is transposed into law it will be within the remit of the HTA to license establishments using cell lines for human application, however, a licence will not be needed for research on cell lines.
