[THE INVESTOR] South Korea’s Cha University has been granted conditional permit to carry out research using human embryos, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said on July 11.

The research will be carried out using somatic cell nuclear transfer method. The method transfers the nucleus, which contains the majority of human genetic information, from a somatic cell into an ovum whose nucleus has been removed. 

This is the first time research using human embryos has been permitted in Korea since 2009 when Cha University’s research failed to produce results.
In its latest research, Cha University plans hopes to develop a line of stem cells in an attempt to develop treatments for nerve damage, stroke, abnormal bone and cartilage development, and other conditions that result in extensive cell or tissue damage.

For the research, the Health Ministry has given Cha University permission to use 600 ova until 2020.

Under the conditions of the permit, Cha University will be required to show proof that the ova are legally obtained. The Health Ministry will also establish a committee for monitoring Cha University to ensure that the research is not used for cloning humans, and to ensure that the university’s bioethics committee operates properly.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)