Charging for Cell Lines
The UK Stem Cell Bank (UKSCB) was established to provide quality
controlled stocks of human embryonic, foetal and adult stem cell
lines. The UKSCB has distributed stem cell lines worldwide and has
waived charges for all cell lines provided, charging only shipping
costs.
In late 2010, the UK Steering Committee and the Bank’s funders
decided that the Bank should move to partial cost recovery and a
mechanism for charging has been implemented. This policy had
been designed to distinguish between commercial and academic
accessors.
Accordingly, from January 1st 2010, the UKSCB had applied
charges for cell lines under a new charging policy published in the
Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines (2010)
(Section 6.6). The policy required the Bank to keep its pricing
structure and charges under review.
Consequently, in its annual pricing review of year 2012, the
Bank, having taken into consideration a number of factors as well
as representation from the stem cell community, lowered its prices
(effective 1st January, 2013).
All new applications made to the Steering Committee and orders
for such research–grade stem cell lines currently being processed,
will be subject to the new lower price
structure.
To help us improve how we function, comments on the change to
the prices structure and any other feedback can be made through
UKSCB enquiries and is welcomed by the
UKSCB.