Requesting Cell Lines from the MHSCB

In its banking operations, the Massachusetts Human Stem Cell Bank (MHSCB) will adhere to the banking guidelines of the National Academies’ Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, including 2007 amendments, and the ISSCR’s Guidelines for the Conduct of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, 2006, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all applicable Federal laws, including all NIH regulations and guidelines that may apply. In addition, MHSCB will comply with the terms of the Depository Agreement entered into with each depositor and the terms of the Material Transfer Agreement and Simple Letter of Agreement with each recipient institution.

MHSCB Policies and Procedures

 A listing of lines available for distribution can be found in our Cell Line Catalog.

Fee Schedule

The current fees associated with the delivery of cell lines are listed below. These fees cover only a portion of the MHSCB’s actual banking and characterization costs for each cell line. Payment is due once all the required documentation is complete and received by the MHSCB, including complete and proper execution of all documents. All prices listed are US dollars.

Please note that the recipient is also responsible for all shipping charges for the requested cells. Shipping costs may be billed through the MHSCB or charged directly to recipient accounts.

Required Forms and Documentation

No cell lines will be distributed by the MHSCB without prior review and approval of submission forms, all supporting documentation, as well as signed Depository Agreement and Simple Letter of Agreement. The documants required for purchase of cell lines are:

Bank Forms

Request packets for specific cell lines can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate cell line name in the Cell Line Catalog.  Included in these packets are:

• Cell Line Request Form
• Simple Letter of Agreement (SLA) – To ensure adherence to applicable guidelines, laws and regulations by institutions and researchers requesting stem cell lines. The SLA documents restrictions on use required by the donor.
• Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) – Legal agreement of conditions for transfer of cells from the bank to the requestor.

Required Investigator Documents

Principal Investigator Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Annual Survey

Annual Survey – Cell line recipients will be required to complete an Annual Survey that will assist the MHSCB in tracking cell line usage and ensure compliance with restrictions outlined in the Material Transfer Agreement and Simple Letter of Agreement.