Hope for German Science Yet

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) notified Bonn-based neurobiologist Oliver Brüstle on Friday that his request to do research on embryonic stem cells had been approved. Brüstle is the first scientist to apply to the RKI, which is responsible for processing applications to import the cells, and to receive permission since the restrictive law that regulates the practice was introduced in April 2002.

Brüstle himself told the news agency AFP that he was “very relieved” by the positive news. He had feared that a decision on his application would not come until sometime in 2003. Brüstle announced that he expects the cells -- which will come from Israel -- to reach Bonn in January. The research project would begin immediately thereafter. The neurobiologist’s research focuses on the treatment of brain and spinal diseases, such as Parkinson’s.

Controversial research

Brüstle’s request for twelve stem cell lines in August 2000 created a furor in Germany and sparked a passionate debate in society and Parliament. His application was delayed three times, while discussion continued about whether and how to regulate importing stem cells.

In public appearances Brüstle repeatedly warned that Germany would be unable to keep up with the international scientific community if it banned stem cell research. Until now he has been limited to carrying out his experiments on mice.

A further scientist, Wolfgang-Michael Fritz of the University of Munich, also got the go-ahead to use human stem cells in his research. The doctor aims to use cardiac muscle cells for transplantations in the treatment of heart attacks.

The RKI has three more applications from scientists for stem cell imports to decide on.

Restrictive measures

In April 2002 Germany’s parliament decided to restrict the import of stem cells. Only embryonic cell lines which existed prior to January 2002 may be imported for scientific research. Cells must have been derived from surplus embryos produced by artificial fertilization. Furthermore, the research and the import must be approved by a supervisory board, which is obliged to refuse permission if similar research with non-embryonic cells could produce equally useful results.

Opposition came in particular from religious leaders. The Conference of German Bishops, for example, said that in passing the law the government no longer guarantees the fundamental right to life and the unlimited protection of humans from the moment of conception.