Patient advocacy groups have been strong supporters of stem cell and regenerative medicine research. But, after waiting more than a decade for scientists to complete clinical trials, many patients are now approaching clinics around the world that offer experimental stem cell-based interventions. Why did patients who were once strong supporters of stem cell research become stem cell tourists? And how can scientists, clinicians and regulators work to bring stem cell patients back to the U.S. and into the clinical trial process?
This panel discussion combined the perspectives of a physician scientist, policy scholar, bioethicist and regulator to explore the risks surrounding stem cell tourism. Panelists examined the FDA’s efforts to combat the issue within the U.S. and why the clinical trial process is the gold standard for understanding the impact of therapeutic interventions. The dialogue aimed to highlight options for better cooperation and collaboration with the FDA to expedite proven therapies.
This event was sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences and the Texas Heart® Institute.
Join the conversation online with #BakerStemCell.
Agenda
7:30 am
Breakfast and Registration
8:00 am
Welcome and Introduction
Vivian Ho, Ph.D.
James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics and Director, Center for Health and Biosciences, Baker Institute
Panel
Moderator: Vivian Ho, Ph.D.
James T. Willerson, M.D.President and Director, Cardiology Research, and Co-director, Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Texas Heart® Institute
Joyce L. Frey-Vasconcells, Ph.D.
President and Regulatory Expert, Frey-Vasconcells Consulting, LLC
Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute
Ana S. Iltis, Ph.D.
Nonresident Scholar, Center for Health and Biosciences, Baker Institute;
Director, Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, and Professor of Philosophy, Wake Forest University
Question and Answer Session
9:20 am
Closing Remarks