A panel of stem cell industry experts from India and abroad are convinced that stem cell therapy is the way forward to control many of the chronic health diseases. However, they are alarmed about the misleading advertisements that highlight cure of diseases with stem cells.

At the second day of the Bangalore India Bio, a panel of experts deliberated on the ‘Commercialisation of Stem cells : promises and public concerns'.

Dr. Geeta Jotwani, deputy director general, Scientist (E), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) pointed out that the 'National guidelines for stem cell research' jointly prepared by the ICMR and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) introduced in 2014 provided ethical and scientific directions to scientists and clinicians working in the field of stem cell research in the country.  These guidelines are for the regulation of stem cell therapy. So far no product from Indian companies have been launched in the market, but a profusion of misleading ads about stem cell therapy and services that are made available in India need to be checked.

Sharing an insight into the evolution of stem cell therapy, Mohan C Vemuri, director, Cell Biology and Stem Cell Sciences, Thermo Scientific Fischer said that the sector has seen major development over a decade. He spoke of how stem cell therapy can help address cardiovascular, orthopaedic and inflammatory diseases being suitable for cancer.  If the outcomes continue on a positive note, then we would be able to make available stem cell treatment options within a few years.

Dr. Christian Van Den Bos, director, Mares, Germany, spoke about the commercialisation of stem cell therapy and how a regulatory frame work could aid the research.

According to Dr. Sanjay Desai, surgeon & professor, M. S Ramaiah Medical College & Hospital, stem cell therapy would emerge as the standard for medical care in the future given its non-invasive nature.