← 18 September 2026's Current Affairs · Science & Tech GA Prelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★☆☆☆
Centre says stem cell therapy for autism only in approved clinical trials
Why in News?
Stem cell therapy for autism, only inside trials: the ICMR-DBT rule GS2 health questions test
Centre clarified that stem cell therapy for autism is permitted only within approved clinical trials, not as routine treatment.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
The Union government clarified that stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder may be administered only as part of approved clinical trials, and not as a routine or commercially offered treatment.
The clarification follows concerns over unproven stem-cell treatments being marketed to families of autistic children.
Stem cell therapies in India are regulated under guidelines issued jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- Centre clarified stem cell therapy for autism is permitted only within approved clinical trials, not as routine treatment
- Clarification follows concerns over unproven stem-cell treatments marketed to families of autistic children
- Stem cell therapies in India are regulated under guidelines jointly issued by ICMR and the Department of Biotechnology
- ICMR = Indian Council of Medical Research; DBT = Department of Biotechnology
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Guidelines on stem cell research and therapy in India are issued jointly by the ICMR and the Department of Biotechnology.
- Stem cell therapy for autism spectrum disorder is permitted only as part of approved clinical trials in India.
- Unproven stem-cell treatments marketed as routine cures are not sanctioned under current Indian regulatory guidelines.
Mains
GS2 - Health: the issue concerns regulation of unproven medical interventions marketed to vulnerable families; the ICMR-DBT joint guidelines provide the governing provision restricting stem cell therapy to approved clinical trials. The implication is protecting patient safety and preventing exploitation, with the way forward lying in stricter enforcement and public awareness against unregulated stem-cell clinics.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Guidelines regulating stem cell research and therapy in India are issued jointly by the Department of Biotechnology and which other body?
- Medical Council of India (now NMC)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Show answer
Answer: B — Stem cell research and therapy in India are regulated under guidelines jointly issued by the ICMR and the Department of Biotechnology.
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