Unproven Stem Cell Therapies in India: Regulatory Challenges and Proposed Paths Forward

Shashank S Tiwari; Pranav N Desai

doi:10.1016/j.stem.2018.10.007

Unproven Stem Cell Therapies in India: Regulatory Challenges and Proposed Paths Forward

Cell Stem Cell. 2018 Nov 1;23(5):649-652. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.10.007. Epub 2018 Oct 18.

Authors

Shashank S Tiwari¹, Pranav N Desai²

Affiliations

¹ Canadian Institute for Genomics and Society, Suite 333, 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto, ON M5V 3J6, Canada. Electronic address: shashank17t@gmail.com.
² Retired Professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India.

PMID: 30344101
DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.10.007

Abstract

Hundreds of clinics in India offer unproven stem cell therapies despite having remarkably stringent guidelines and regulations for fraudulent advertisements and clinical practice. We discuss the challenges with current regulations, how a recently proposed amendment may further legitimize unproven stem cell therapies, and discuss paths forward in a global context.

MeSH terms

Humans
India
Stem Cell Transplantation / legislation & jurisprudence*
Stem Cell Transplantation / standards*
Stem Cells / cytology
Stem Cells / metabolism