CHO cells are derived from the Chinese hamster, a rodent, and are therefore haram to consume according to all four schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafiʿi and Hanbali). As such, the CHO cell line itself is considered impure (najis).³ However, in biopharmaceutical production, the final therapeutic protein or product undergoes extensive purification and filtration, during which CHO cells and their remnants are effectively removed. The resulting substance is chemically and biologically distinct from the original cell line and is generally regarded as pure (tahir) and halal to consume by the majority of scholars, given that no trace of the impure source remains.

Nevertheless, some scholars maintain that cross-contamination with a legally impure (najis) source renders the product impermissible (haram) regardless of purification.

For those holding this stricter view, it is important to note that many CHO-derived medicines currently have no equally effective halal-certified alternatives. Therefore, their use may be considered permissible (mubah) under the principle of darurah (necessity) or hajah shadidah (pressing need) until suitable halal options become available.

For a more detailed explanation regarding the reasons behind these rulings, click the button below.