MANILA: The Department of Health (DOH) has banned the use of genetically altered stem cells and tissues of human adults in its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on stem cell therapy issued last Wednesday.
The IRR restricts the use of “genetically altered stem cells and tissues of human adults and the umbilical cord, fat-derived human stem cells, and live animal stem cells.”
The DOH issued the guidelines to govern the practice of stem cell therapy in the country. It said the use of certain stem cells is deemed unsafe and ineffective.
“Our efforts at regulating the practice of stem cell therapy in this country are aimed at safeguarding the welfare of our patients and the general public by making safe, effective and ethical stem cell modalities and practices within emerging international and global standards considering the very complex nature of this therapy,” Enrique Ona said.
The Philippine Star
