The regulation of human blastoid research

Abstract

The creation of human blastoids holds great potential for research on early human development but also raises considerations about the ethics of such research and its regulation.

In Vitro Embryogenesis and Gastrulation Using Stem Cells in Mice and Humans

“…There are conflicting views on the regulation of the human blastoids, as they do not fully replicate the developmental stage of blastocysts and are not functionally equivalent to human embryos. Some argue that blastoids may not require the same level of regulation [ 167 , 168 ], while others believe that as they advance in morphology and functionality, their closer resemblance to human embryos will necessitate similar regulatory measures [ 169 ]. The first viewpoint avoids using natural blastocysts but raises ethical concerns if blastoids become functionally equivalent to blastocysts in the future.…”

Role and ethics of cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) blastoids in primate developmental biology research

“…3,4 These models are invaluable for advancing our understanding of human developmental processes, particularly in domains where employing human in vitro fertilization (IVF)-derived embryos is impractical or prohibited due to ethical considerations. 5 The foremost objective of this study was to establish a novel model to investigate blastocyst-stage embryos, with an emphasis on their developmental competencies and capacity to initiate early pregnancy in surrogate monkeys. This research serves to fill existing gaps in our knowledge of early primate development and examines the viability of non-human primate models in embryogenesis research.…”

“…Cynomolgus monkey blastoids are an ethical and practical alternative to human embryonic research and the associated ethical and legal challenges 3,4 . These models are invaluable for advancing our understanding of human developmental processes, particularly in domains where employing human in vitro fertilization (IVF)‐derived embryos is impractical or prohibited due to ethical considerations 5 . The foremost objective of this study was to establish a novel model to investigate blastocyst‐stage embryos, with an emphasis on their developmental competencies and capacity to initiate early pregnancy in surrogate monkeys.…”