Fetal Tissue Research (FTR)

Oversight

Research using human fetal tissue or cell lines derived from human fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes shows much promise for treating serious diseases and disorders such as diabetes, sepsis, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases.

University researchers may conduct research using human fetal tissue or cell lines derived from human fetal tissue ("human fetal tissue") for nontransplantation purposes only in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures.

Researchers who wish to conduct studies involving human fetal tissue must obtain approval from the Fetal Tissue Research (FTR) committee if the research does not meet the criteria for review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The FTR committee reviews the scientific merit and ethical justification of proposed research involving human fetal tissue and cell lines derived from human fetal tissue and determines whether to approve, require modifications to, or disapprove the research.

Application Process

Use eProtocol to create and submit an application within the BAO tab, making sure to answer all questions regarding FTR. Please contact the OBAO for the FTR application attachment to be submitted with your application. Changes to approved BAO protocols should be submitted through an amendment in eProtocol.

Administrative Policies & Procedures

• Policy: Acquisition, Use, and Disposition of Donated Human Fetal Tissue for Research (Non-Transplantation) or Teaching
• Procedure: Acquisition, Use and Disposition of Donated Human Fetal Tissue Used for Research (Transplantation and Non-Transplantation) or Teaching
• Preparing to Conduct Human Fetal Transplantation Research Ineligible for Federal/State Funding
• Conducting Research Using Human Fetal Tissue for Transplantation into Designated Recipients