Unproven stem cell interventions: A global public health problem requiring global deliberation

• Published in: Stem cell reports Vol. 16; no. 6; pp. 1435 - 1445
• Main Authors: Master, Zubin, Matthews, Kirstin R.W., Abou-el-Enein, Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 08.06.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: global health; Government Regulation; Health Policy - legislation & jurisprudence; Humans; patient views; Public Health - ethics; Public Health - legislation & jurisprudence; regenerative medicine; Regenerative Medicine - legislation & jurisprudence; regulations; Stem Cell Transplantation - ethics; Stem Cell Transplantation - legislation & jurisprudence; unproven stem cell interventions; World Health Organization; global health; patient views; unproven stem cell interventions; World Health Organization; regenerative medicine; regulations
• ISSN: 2213-6711; 2213-6711
• DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.05.004

The unproven stem cell intervention (SCI) industry is a global health problem. Despite efforts of some nations, the industry continues to flourish. In this paper, we call for a global approach and the establishment of a World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Advisory Committee on Regenerative Medicine to tackle this issue and provide guidance. The WHO committee can harmonize national regulations; promote regulatory approaches responsive to unmet patient needs; and formulate an education campaign against misinformation. Fostering an international dialog and developing recommendations that can be adopted by member states would effectively address the global market of unproven SCIs. In this article, Master, Matthews, and Abou-el-Enein argue that the World Health Organization (WHO) should establish an Expert Advisory Committee on Regenerative Medicine to address the global problem of clinics selling unproven stem cell interventions (SCIs). The WHO committee can develop harmonized standards, promote responsible access to cell-based therapeutics for patients, and create an information campaign to address public misinformation.