Research quotes and endorsements

Quotes and endorsements relevant to the research sector.

2009

Nalin Thakker, Professor of Molecular Pathology and Genetics and Consultant Histopathologist, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, said: “I think it is appropriate that the HTA works in a risk-based way.”

2008

Harpal S Kumar, CEO, Cancer Research UK, said: “There were many concerns among the research community ahead of the Human Tissue Act coming into force. Through the work of the HTA these concerns have largely been allayed. HTA regulation has achieved its overall objective of helping the research community improve the way they work and, as a result, the public can have confidence in the way human tissue is used in research.”

On the HTA's regulation in the research sector, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, said:  “The initial anxiety of researchers about the Human Tissue Act has not been borne out, largely due to the HTA's responsible and inclusive implementation of the legislation. Many of the procedures the HTA has implemented have had the effect of driving up standards in research governance. This has been reflected in the positive comments I have received from MRC staff and grant holders.”

2007

Research

Professor Richard Reynolds, MS Tissue Bank, said: “With the HTA, we now have an organisation that can make sure the appropriate quality standards are consistently applied across the board.”

2006

Professor Alex Markham, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, said: “Research using human tissue is essential if we are to improve our understanding of cancer and develop more effective cancer treatments. Cancer Research UK is hopeful that this new regulatory framework will give researchers the support they need to carry out their work. We welcome moves by the Human Tissue Authority to engage the research community in understanding their obligations under the new legislation. This will be crucial to ensure that the good quality research, for which the UK is rightly renowned, continues unimpeded to the benefit of all patients.”

Professor Colin Blakemore, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, said: “Research on human tissue samples is crucial for the development of new treatments and new approaches to disease prevention. It is important that the public should have confidence in the regulations that govern such research, but it is essential to achieve a reasonable balance between the prevention of possible abuse, and the facilitation of this vital research. The Medical Research Council was pleased to be closely involved in the consultation on the Human Tissue Act and we will continue to work with the Human Tissue Authority to ensure that research of huge potential benefit to the public will be able to continue within the law and with minimal cost and delay.”

Dr Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, said: “Medical research is vitally dependent on the use of human tissue to understand the causes and effects of disease. The Human Tissue Authority has a challenging job to regulate the use of tissue fairly and cost effectively and we look forward to working closely with them to ensure the burden on researchers is not disproportionate or excessive.”

Professor Finbarr Cotter, Centre for Haematology, Barts and the London Medical School, said: “The Human Tissue Act should be viewed as an aid to all research and transplant healthcare staff. It provides protection and guidance for the fulfillment of patients and families expectations. The Act is a simple and caring concept that provides the patient and relatives with a voice. This can only strengthen the essential bond of trust between patient and clinician. For the medical profession it does require a slight change in culture and forethought that we have sometimes lacked. However, thinking and planning ahead has to be beneficial. All research now will go forward with the willingness and support of those consenting to the use of their tissue. This can only be reassuring to those making use of this tissue and enhances the research and transplantation process. An independent, active and responsive Human Tissue Authority is the pivotal link providing the necessary functional links for all, to ensure the process can be trusted and evolve together with patient and researcher perceptions and cultures. This is a truly important and empathetic piece of legislation that benefits us all.”

Belinda Seeto, Project Manager, Human Tissue Resource Centre at Barts and The London NHS Trust and Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, said: “In response to the Human Tissue Act, we at Barts and The London NHS Trust and Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry have set up a centralised Human Tissue Resource Centre (HTRC) to ensure compliance with the Act and with the Human Tissue Authority’s codes of practice as they affect scientific research using human tissue. This is clearly a crucial area for an academic teaching hospital and medical school. As the Designated Individual for Research responsible for ensuring compliance of the HTRC with the new legislation, I have liaised closely with the Human Tissue Authority over the past few months and have found their advice invaluable. In practice they have adopted an approach which is most helpful and supportive, both in terms of helping us understand the spirit of the legislation and in answering specific questions about policy and practice. They have been interested in our operation, listened carefully to our concerns and responded with practical advice.”

Dr Simon Best, Chairman, BioIndustry Association, said: “The BIA welcomes the introduction of the Human Tissue Act which provides a regulatory framework that will ensure that essential medical research using human tissue can continue to deliver new treatments for patient benefit. Public confidence in the Act and in the Human Tissue Authority as a transparent and trustworthy regulatory body will be key. We hope that this will result in greater participation in research which ultimately benefits patient health. The BIA was delighted to be involved in the development of the Human Tissue Bill and the consultation on the Human Tissue Act and looks forward to continuing to work with the Human Tissue Authority.”

Professor James Ironside, Professor of Clinical Neuropathology at the University of Edinburgh and Human Tissue Authority Mmber, said: “Medical research is critically dependent on studying diseases in human tissues. The regulatory framework of the Human Tissue Authority will give researchers confidence that this essential work can take place with consent from the patient or relatives, and give the public confidence that medical research is based on the principle of consent.”

Professor El-Nasir Lalani, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Pathology at Imperial College London and Honorary Consultant Histopathologist at Hammersmith Hospitals Trust, and Human Tissue Authority Member, said: “Our understanding of disease processes and the development of new therapies is critically dependent on the availability of human tissues for research. The Human Tissue Authority’s regulatory framework aims to provide a balanced approach of meeting the needs of the research community whilst maintaining public confidence.”