Supreme Court demands detailed report on stem-cell trials for autism
The Supreme Court ordered the government to disclose all approved or proposed stem-cell clinical trials for autism, including institutions, capacities and any applications filed since its January ruling.
In a recent order, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, instructed the Union government to furnish a comprehensive list of all stem-cell therapy trials for Autism Spectrum Disorder that are approved or proposed, detailing the participating institutions and their capacity to treat patients. The court also seeks information on any applications received by regulatory authorities since its January 30 judgment, which prohibited offering stem-cell treatment for autism as a routine commercial service.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare maintains that such therapy is only permitted for research and not for standard care, a stance echoed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the U.S. FDA. Additionally, the Parents Forum for Stem Cells in Autism and Cerebral Palsy, along with clinics and caregivers, must report any measures taken to bring current patients under a regulated trial framework. The matter will be revisited on September 29 for further examination.
Why it matters
The ruling could shape how experimental autism treatments are regulated and protect patients from unapproved commercial use.
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