NIH has issued a notice describing the status of applications and grants that propose research using human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Among its points are:
- Any further NIH activity to implement, apply or act pursuant to the NIH Guidelines is hereby suspended until further notice.
- Issuance of all pending competing, and noncompeting continuation hESC awards and contracts is suspended until further notice.
- The peer review of all pending competing hESC applications and proposals is suspended until further notice.
Grants affected include all types of research and training. We expect more guidance soon and will let you know when it’s posted.