The SCRO reviews, approves, and provides oversight over all issues related to the derivation and use of human pluripotent stem cells as defined by federal and state law. Research under the SCRO’s jurisdiction may not commence until approved by the SCRO.
SCRO review is not required for non-human cells, and is not required if cells are not pluripotent. (Pluripotent means capable of differentiation into mesoderm, ectoderm and endoderm).
SCRO’s review is limited to review and approval for appropriate use of stem cells in the following circumstances:
- Procurement or use of human oocytes
- Use of human embryos
- Derivation of a covered stem cell line
- In vitro research using existing covered stem cell lines
- Introduction of covered stem cells into animals or neural progenitor cells into the brains of animals at any state of embryonic, fetal or post-natal development
- Introduction of covered stem cells into a live human
The SCRO also is empowered to monitor, audit, suspend and/or terminate research covered in this section.
Review by SCRO does not substitute for reviews that may be required by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC).