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Calcutta News.Net Friday 27th April, 2012 (IANS)

The Directorate General of Health Services has established a stem cell division to evaluate proposals concerning stem cell research, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said here Friday.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Azad said the stem cell division was established within the Biological Division in Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation for the internal evaluation of all proposals, including stem cell concerning with clinical trial and marketing authorisation.

"Till recently, there was no mechanism in place to take note of the cases violating these guidelines or take action against the agencies found violating these guidelines," said Azad.

The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology have jointly formulated guidelines for stem cell research and therapy to help experts and scientists working in the field conduct research responsibly and ethically sensitive manner.

However, in view of the recent development in the field, the guidelines will be revised this year.

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Stem cell division to evaluate clinical trials