http://www.eurostemcell.org/factsheet/multiple-sclerosis-how-could-stem-cells-help
One of the questions on the blog asks "Can MS be treated with stem cells now?"
The answer given, "No. Although stem cells are already very useful in MS disease research, there are currently no approved stem cell treatments available for multiple sclerosis. Several different approaches and types of stem cells are being investigated for their potential use in future treatments: stem cells may be able to ‘reset’ the immune system, repair the myelin on nerve cells or perhaps in the long-term may even be used to grow completely new nerve cells. Stem cells are unlikely to cure multiple sclerosis but in the future may be able to slow, stop or even reverse the progress of the disease. However, much more research is needed to establish whether the different sorts of stem cells can provide safe and effective treatments for MS, and how those cells should be used."
There is a difference in TREATED with stem cells now vs the fact that there are currently no approved stem cell treatments available now. The fact is that MS is being treated. It is also a fact that there are no approved stem cell treatments for it. However, there is still controversy and an ongoing court case in the U.S. as to whether autologous stem cell therapy should be regulated by the FDA or whether it is a practice of medicine and therefore not regulated by the FDA. This blog fails to make the distinction.
One of the questions on the blog asks "Can MS be treated with stem cells now?"
The answer given, "No. Although stem cells are already very useful in MS disease research, there are currently no approved stem cell treatments available for multiple sclerosis. Several different approaches and types of stem cells are being investigated for their potential use in future treatments: stem cells may be able to ‘reset’ the immune system, repair the myelin on nerve cells or perhaps in the long-term may even be used to grow completely new nerve cells. Stem cells are unlikely to cure multiple sclerosis but in the future may be able to slow, stop or even reverse the progress of the disease. However, much more research is needed to establish whether the different sorts of stem cells can provide safe and effective treatments for MS, and how those cells should be used."
There is a difference in TREATED with stem cells now vs the fact that there are currently no approved stem cell treatments available now. The fact is that MS is being treated. It is also a fact that there are no approved stem cell treatments for it. However, there is still controversy and an ongoing court case in the U.S. as to whether autologous stem cell therapy should be regulated by the FDA or whether it is a practice of medicine and therefore not regulated by the FDA. This blog fails to make the distinction.