Can stem cell therapy be clinically used for Autism Spectrum Disorder in India?

No, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that stem cell therapy cannot be used as a clinical treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

What is the Supreme Court's stance on unproven stem cell therapies for autism?

The Supreme Court considers offering stem cell interventions for autism outside approved clinical trials as unethical and amounting to medical malpractice.

What happens to patients already undergoing stem cell therapy for autism?

Patients already undergoing stem cell therapy for autism must be transitioned into properly approved clinical trials for safety and ethical research.

Home / Health / Supreme Court: Stem Cells Not For Autism Treatment

Supreme Court: Stem Cells Not For Autism Treatment

30 Jan

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Summary

Supreme Court banned clinical stem cell therapy for autism.
Unproven therapies outside trials are unethical malpractice.
Patients must move to approved trials for safety.

Supreme Court: Stem Cells Not For Autism Treatment

The Supreme Court of India has issued a significant ruling, prohibiting the clinical use of stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This decision arises from concerns about unproven and experimental therapies being offered to families seeking solutions for ASD, a complex neurodevelopmental condition.

The court emphasized that administering stem cell interventions for autism outside of regulated clinical trials constitutes medical malpractice. This reinforces the principle that patients cannot demand unproven treatments as a right, and consent is only valid if based on credible scientific information.

For individuals already receiving stem cell therapy, the Supreme Court directed the National Medical Commission and other health authorities to facilitate their transition into approved clinical trials. This measure ensures continued care while upholding ethical research standards and patient safety.