General Science
Stem Cell Therapy
- Context: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has mandated that prior approval must be obtained before undertaking unconventional stem cell therapies and research.
About Stem Cells
- Stem cells are unique cells capable of generating specialized cells, such as those found in blood, bone, and muscle.
- They play a crucial role in tissue repair and various bodily functions.
Types of Stem Cells
- Embryonic Stem Cells (Pluripotent): These possess the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell. They are derived from embryos or umbilical cord blood.
- Tissue-Specific Stem Cells (Multipotent/Unipotent): These generate only those cells specific to their respective tissues.
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): These are cells created in a laboratory setting. They are engineered to function similarly to embryonic stem cells for the purposes of research and drug testing.
About Stem Cell Therapy
- Stem cell therapy also referred to as regenerative medicine aims to repair damaged tissues.
- In India, stem cell therapy is regulated under the ‘National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research 2025,’ which were jointly drafted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
