Stem cell therapy for autism only in approved clinical trials: Centre
The Indian Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory restricting stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder to approved clinical trials only. The move follows a Supreme Court judgment and aims to curb the commercial promotion of unproven stem cell treatments for autism.
Why it matters
It protects patients from potentially ineffective or harmful medical practices by enforcing stricter regulatory oversight on experimental therapies.
The Union Health Ministry has asked States and Union Territories to ensure that stem cell therapy is offered as standard clinical care only for disease conditions and indications approved by the Ministry, with its use for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) restricted to duly approved clinical trials.
In an advisory issued on September 16, the Ministry reiterated the existing regulatory framework governing stem cell research and therapy. The advisory was issued to States and Union Territories that have adopted the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, following a January 30, 2026, judgment of the Supreme Court in Yash Charitable Trust & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.
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