Hot Topics: Fetal Tissues
Varicella (chickenpox), rubella, hepatitis A and one preparation of rabies vaccine are all made in fetal embryo fibroblast cells. These cells were first obtained from a therapeutic termination of two pregnancies in the early 1960s. These same embryonic cells obtained from the early 1960s have continued to grow in the laboratory and are used to make vaccines today. Fibroblast cells are the cells needed to hold skin and other connective tissue together.
Reviewed by: Paul A. Offit, MD
Date: March 2008
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