Established in 2003, the UK Stem Cell Bank facilitates the use and sharing of quality controlled stem cell lines to support scientific research and clinical development of stem cell therapies.
The work of the UK Stem Cell Bank covers three main areas:
- Banking- Acting as the sole public repository of all UK-derived human embryonic stem cell lines, holding over 180 stem cell lines and distributing research and clinical grade lines. (Suitable for clinical applications Under the Human Tissue (Quality and Safety for Human Application) Regulations 2007 (Q&S Regulations) and up to 2020 the European Union Tissue and Cells Directives, EUTCD).
- Research- Undertaking research to improve the standardisation, quality and safety of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based products, collaborating with international partners to deliver projects supporting the development of stem cell therapies and developing WHO reference materials for Advanced Therapies.
- Regulation- Being active in the UK regenerative medicine infrastructure, providing support and advice on international best practice, policies and guidelines relating to stem cell use and regulation around the world.
How can we help?
Sign up to the UK Stem Cell Bank newsletter to receive regular updates about our work.
Interested in our stem cells?
Read our notes to researchers and depositors.
For more information, or comments contact us at enquiriesmail@mhra.gov.uk.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) acted as secretariat for the steering committee between January 2003 and February 2023, and as such held all data relating to the steering committee. From March 2023, all records held for data subjects were transferred to the current secretariat at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Any Data Subject Rights or any Data Protection related queries should be directed to MHRA
Our staff
Chris Burns – Head of Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies and HTA Designated Individual
UK Stem Cell Bank Team
Lee Carpenter – Head of UK Stem Cell Bank
Clare Wise – Head of Cell Production
Elisa Mattioli – Cell Supply Lead
Ahkib Rasheed – Scientist, Stem Cell Production
Andrew Choy – Scientist, Stem Cell Production
Sheila Govind – Deputy Production Manager
Judith Prince – Quality Co-ordinator (HTA Human Application / Tissue)
Adrian Zarzoso – Scientific Project Manager
Cell Therapy Team
Kate Warre Cornish – Head of Cell Therapy
Leo Perfect – Cell Therapy Specialist
Luke Lindsay-Hill – Senior Scientist