Supreme Court Bars Stem Cell Therapy for Autism:
The Supreme Court ruled that stem cell therapy cannot be offered as a clinical service for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) outside approved clinical trials and directed the Union Government to create a dedicated regulatory authority for stem cell research.The Court held that such therapy lacks established evidence on safety and efficacy and therefore fails the reasonable standard of care owed by doctors to patients.Stem cells are unique cells that generate specialized cells like blood, bone, and muscle, playing a vital role in tissue repair and bodily functions.Stem Cell Therapy: It is also called regenerative medicine, aims to repair damaged or diseased tissues by using stem cells or their derivatives.In India, stem cell-based treatments are permitted only within approved clinical trials, as their safety, efficacy, and long-term effects are not yet fully established for many diseases. In India stem cell therapy is governed by the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research 2025, which were jointly drawn up by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
