[Dictionary] UK Stem Cell Bank (UKSCB)

The single national repository, hosted by NIBSC (part of the MHRA) since 2003, that banks and distributes quality-controlled UK-derived human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines for research and clinical use. Deposit and access decisions are reviewed by the independent UK Stem Cell Bank Steering Committee against the Bank's Code of Practice, operating downstream of and in addition to the HFEA research licence that authorised deriving the line in the first place -- distinct from a private cord-blood or dental stem-cell storage company despite the similar generic name.