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Tackling Our Toughest Problems
Scientists use fetal and adult cells and tissues to tackle some of the most devastating illnesses and injuries facing us today.
A Legacy of Promising Research
Because of the polio vaccine, 1.5 million childhood deaths have been averted and 18 million people who otherwise would have been paralyzed can walk today. Research with fetal tissue led scientists to a breakthrough which allowed them to grow the virus in test tubes without nervous tissue. This discovery, along with Jonas Salk’s work at the University of Pittsburgh to propagate the virus using kidney cells from primates, made the development of a safe and effective vaccine possible. Read more >>
Scientists across the world use these cells to better understand living things and to create new treatments to combat an illness or injury.
The expanded brain bank gives researchers a chance to study human brain tissue that has been damaged by neurodegenerative disease.
Supporting research programs that utilize tissue materials, the PBC has been accepting and distributing donated tissue since 1991.
Fetal tissue research plays a crucial role in combating and curing some of our most devastating diseases.
Doctors and researchers use every tool available to find treatments and search for cures.
Like all medical research, human cell and tissue research must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines.
University of Pittsburgh releases results of external review of fetal tissue research
Last fall, the University of Pittsburgh proactively enlisted Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.—an independent, third-party firm—to assess our fetal tissue research process and practices.
This review is now complete and confirms that the University to Pittsburgh’s activities “related to the procurement, disbursement, and use of human fetal tissue in research are fully compliant with applicable laws.”
NOTE: On February 1, 2022, Hyman, Phelps, and McNamara issued a statement clarifying a citation in the report.