The move is aimed at curbing misleading claims by clinics, particularly in urban and tier-2 centres.
India Bans Stem Cell Therapy for Autism: NMC Restricts Use to 32 Approved Conditions
India’s medical regulator has barred the use of stem cell therapy for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Cerebral Palsy, tightening oversight on unproven treatments being offered by private clinics.
The directive, issued by the National Medical Commission on March 25, follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of India and is based on recommendations from the Indian Council of Medical Research. It restricts the use of stem cell therapy to a defined list of 32 approved conditions.
These include serious disorders such as acute myeloid leukaemia, multiple sclerosis, thalassemia, osteopetrosis, multiple myeloma, aplastic anaemia and certain germ cell tumours, where the therapy has established clinical backing. For other conditions, including autism-related disorders, its use is now considered impermissible.
The move is aimed at curbing misleading claims by clinics, particularly in urban and tier-2 centres, that promote stem cell procedures as cures for neurological and developmental disorders without sufficient scientific evidence.
The regulatory action comes after the apex court’s direction in January, following which ICMR shared a list of conditions where such therapy can be applied. Authorities have asked all medical colleges, hospitals and registered practitioners to strictly adhere to the updated guidelines.
Stem cell therapy involves using specialised cells to repair or replace damaged tissues, but its application remains tightly regulated due to ethical and safety concerns.
(With Inputs from PTI)
