Human stem cell treatments to be banned in Thailand?
This according to an article in Thailand’s The Nation on May 25, 2009. The proposed ban is scheduled to take place in September 2009.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/topstory/30103512/Treatments-using-human-stem-cells-to-be-banned
As the article points out, the study and research of stem cells will continue to be allowed and it’s not clear if some medical treatments will be allowed “with permission.”
Not every area of treatment will be banned, notable exceptions being bone marrow transplants and some blood disorders and there may be exceptions for some heart diseases due to Thailand’s on-going research into stem cell treatment in this area.
The decree to regulate stem cell tests seems primarily aimed at clamping down on the number of small, independent clinics that have multiplied recently promising anti-ageing and dermatological improvements.
The proposed oversight board may not be in place for 2-3 years, according to one stem cell specialist I spoke with. This same specialist is also slated to be on the regulating committee to oversee which stem cell treatments will be allowed.
Is this a setback for patients seeking stem cell treatments in Thailand?
Perhaps temporarily while the various health and legal representatives try to sort out the ethics and legalities of stem cell treatment. But look for more clarity on exactly what treatments will be allowed and under what circumstances. Hopefully, the new decree will force out the quick-profit clinics and dubious stem cell banks while allowing real research to go forward, leading eventually to medically sanctioned and legal stem cell treatments.
This according to an article in Thailand’s The Nation on May 25, 2009. The proposed ban is scheduled to take place in September 2009.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/topstory/30103512/Treatments-using-human-stem-cells-to-be-banned
As the article points out, the study and research of stem cells will continue to be allowed and it’s not clear if some medical treatments will be allowed “with permission.”
Not every area of treatment will be banned, notable exceptions being bone marrow transplants and some blood disorders and there may be exceptions for some heart diseases due to Thailand’s on-going research into stem cell treatment in this area.
The decree to regulate stem cell tests seems primarily aimed at clamping down on the number of small, independent clinics that have multiplied recently promising anti-ageing and dermatological improvements.
The proposed oversight board may not be in place for 2-3 years, according to one stem cell specialist I spoke with. This same specialist is also slated to be on the regulating committee to oversee which stem cell treatments will be allowed.
Is this a setback for patients seeking stem cell treatments in Thailand?
Perhaps temporarily while the various health and legal representatives try to sort out the ethics and legalities of stem cell treatment. But look for more clarity on exactly what treatments will be allowed and under what circumstances. Hopefully, the new decree will force out the quick-profit clinics and dubious stem cell banks while allowing real research to go forward, leading eventually to medically sanctioned and legal stem cell treatments.
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