Media Release

7 July 2008

National Health Committee to advise on Living Cell Technologies application

The National Health Committee has been asked by the Minister of Health, Hon David Cunliffe, to provide him with additional independent advice on an application that has been made by Living Cell Technologies Pty Limited to conduct clinical trials of pig cell transplantation in New Zealand.

This request to the National Health Committee has been made in accordance with section 96E(3) of the Medicines Act 1981 (Medicines Act).

The Minister seeks the National Health Committee’s advice about the application in relation to the criteria set out at section 96E(1) of the Medicines Act.

The National Health Committee is meeting on Tuesday 8 July to discuss this request and to put in place a process for consultation.

Interested parties and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide a submission on this issue.

Detailed information about consultation will be released by the National Health Committee next week, following their meeting.

The National Health Committee provides independent advice to the Minister of Health on a range of health and disability matters.

For further information, please contact Liz Price, 0276 957 744.