STEM CELL RACKETS

Wednesday, July 25, 2007 08:00 IST
P A Francis

Scientists world over have been exploring the therapeutic opportunities of
stem cells for more than a decade now. Private and government laboratories
in over a dozen countries including India have already established stem cell
banks. Stem cells are blank cells obtained from human embryos or cord blood
which can develop into a variety of cells in human body. Scientists believe
that these cells can transform into any of human body's approximate 260
different cell types. Blank cells can develop into heart, muscle, brain,
skin, bones or to any other body tissues. These diverse cell types could
lead to new forms of treatment for many serious diseases that cannot be
cured with modern medicines today. No country has, however, developed
capability to make this medical technology commercially viable. But some
private research institutes and medical practitioners in India have been, of
late, claiming magical cures for fatal diseases and publicizing stem cell
therapy openly. And gullible public is getting lured into such unethical
activities of these institutes and individuals. Pharmabiz last week reported
that a number of small hospitals and one-man clinics in Karnataka are found
to be engaged in drawing stem cells from peripheral blood of patients and
using them for treating certain diseases. As per the clinically approved
practice, stem cells should not be drawn from peripheral blood. Doctors in
these establishments are reportedly giving false hopes of a dramatic cure
from stem cells and charging exorbitant fee. It is possible that such
rackets in the name of stem cell therapy will come to light from other parts
of the country as well.

Laying down a set of rules for this emerging branch of medical research is
urgent to prevent its unethical uses. Most countries do not have any
regulatory framework at present. And exaggerated claims of curing certain
diseases using stem cells are being increasingly made by private
institutions in India and abroad. In India, the Central government had set
up a high level committee to frame a policy for genomic research including
stem cell technology five years ago. A draft guideline for stem cell
research was then prepared by Indian Council of Medical Research and it is
already there with the government. As per the draft, the Union health
ministry was to set up a national regulatory system to monitor and sanction
stem cell research programme in the country. But nothing much has happened
after preparation of the draft five years ago. The Parliamentary Standing
Committee on Health has also expressed its dissatisfaction over the
continuing delay in formulation of a national policy for stem cell use. Half
a dozen research institutes are already into serious stem cell research in
the country. What all activities they are engaged in are not known to the
government. Formulation of a stem cell policy and its enforcement of the
necessary rules, is therefore extremely urgent to protect the general public
from illegitimate uses of stem cells and fleecing. The Union health ministry
needs to wake up and act without any further delay.

Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
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