Australian authorities to tackle unproven stem cell treatments

Authorities have committed to act on unproven stem cell treatments being offered by Melbourne (Australia) clinics.

A loophole in Australia’s medical laws is allowing clinics to offer stem cell therapies, despite a lack of supporting scientific evidence. Regulators are, therefore, powerless to act.

The Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia), has reported 45 clinics across Australia charging between AU$6000 and AU$10,000 for therapies against diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, wounds, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and lung diseases.

Health authorities, and scientists, were particularly alarmed by one clinic advertising the treatment of multiple sclerosis through stem cell injections into spinal and brain fluid using lumbar injections.

Jo Flynn (Medical Board of Australia, Australia) commented: “The level of risk is unacceptable and it needs tighter regulation. The board is concerned at some of the emerging forms of treatment which are being offered outside the confines of regulated clinical trials, often for people with chronically disabling conditions.”

The Therapeutic Goods Administration began investigating the regulations this year but has not yet published any results from their review.

— Written by Daphne Boulicault

Source: The Herald Sun: www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/health-authorit…