Abstract
The concept of stem cell therapy has engaged the attention of the public and scientists alike. Intensive research effort is focused upon understanding the biology and therapeutic potential of embryonic and adult stem cells, with the eventual goal of treating such pathologies as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, neurological injury and degenerations and cancer. Ex vivo expansion and transplantation of limbal epithelial stem cells to the corneas to treat blinding ocular surface disease was one of the first stem cell therapies to successfully reach the clinic. However, limbal epithelial stem cell research and therapy delivery has remained largely within the noncommercial academic clinician-scientist environment from which it was originally pioneered. In our experience, gaining regulatory approval has been as great a hurdle as surmounting the scientific challenges of stem cell therapy. Based upon our model of delivering 'accredited' limbal epithelial stem cell therapy to patients in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice and the new European Union Tissues and Cells Directive, we address the key regulatory questions. This may help colleagues who are developing innovative academic research-driven stem cell therapies regarding donor consent, raw materials, quality assurance, laboratory specification, indemnity and funding.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
