NIH Seeks Comments on Proposed Changes to Human-Animal Chimera Research Policy Which Could Result in Numerous New Grant and Contract Opportunities
WHAT: NIH issued a notice requesting comments on proposed changes to amend its Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research and the scope of certain human-animal chimera research the Agency should fund. NIH intends to establish a steering committee to oversee the evolving field of human-animal chimera research and potentially lift the ban it placed on itself from funding such research in September 2015.
WHEN: NIH issued the request for public comment on August 5, 2016. Comments on the proposed rulemaking are due September 6, 2016.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR INDUSTRY: NIH’s proposed policy change could significantly expand the scope of funding available to institutions involved in human-animal chimera research. NIH is seeking comments on both its proposed lifting of the moratorium on NIH funding of such research, as well as comments on “the proposed scope of research,” including what funding vehicles should be used by the agency, e.g., grant applications or contract proposals. Accordingly, interested parties should closely review the proposed policy changes and submit comments where their interests are affected.
