Patient Safety In Adult Stem Cell Societies In Mexico

The International Cellular Medicine Society reports its partnership with a major regenerative medicine organization, The Sociedad Mexicana de Medicina Regenerativa (SOMMER), to bring improved oversight and new regulations to clinics in Mexico practicing autologous, adult stem cell medicine for local communities and visitors seeking stem cell treatment abroad. This groundbreaking strategic alliance has a singular objective: to bring greater transparency, increased peer oversight and the highest standards to clinics in Mexico providing stem cell treatment.

While finding stem cell therapy abroad gives many patients the ability to access new and innovative therapies, the total number of clinics offering stem cell medicine in Mexico is currently not known. Estimates range from 20

to over 100 clinics and both SOMMER and the ICMS are concerned that this continued proliferation of clinics without oversight and regulation poses a significant potential danger to patients. “This alliance,” said Dr. Juan Jose Parcero Valdes, President of SOMMER, “allows the two societies to work together collaboratively to establish the highest possible standards for the practice of adult stem cell medicine in Mexico.” A better regulated network of clinics translates to higher quality of service and increased patient safety in general.

This strategic alliance will seek to achieve dual objectives, both inter-connected and inter-dependent on one another: to work together, with regulatory and governmental agencies, and to apply and adapt the ICMS Standards for the Practice of Stem Cell Medicine to Mexico. “Patient safety is our top priority,” said David Audley, Executive Director of the ICMS. “By working together, SOMMER and the ICMS will provide a way for patients and regulators, to identify clinics whose practices are based on good patient care. Clinics can show their commitment to patient safety by embracing these standards and opening up their treatments to transparency and peer oversight." The newly formed alliance will work to identify clinics providing stem cell treatments in Mexico and seek their participation in the ICMS Accreditation Program for stem cell research Mexico , with its developing infrastructure, has pockets of areas in the country that suffer from lack of oversight. The rigorous 18 to 24 month review process evaluates clinics’ entire practice, including an assessment of informed consent procedures, patient candidacy guidelines, clinical and lab processes, treatment protocols, post treatment followup.

At present, for patients seeking Mexico stem cell therapy for themselves or loved ones, “it is nearly impossible for patients to know which clinics are safe and which clinics provide good patient care,” said Dr. Javier Lopez, Director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute (RMI), Mexico, and a member of both SOMMER and the ICMS. RMI is currently the only clinic in Northern Mexico participating in the ICMS accreditation process. “Patients need to know who they can trust, which treatments are legal and which doctors are licensed. This alliance, and work that the two societies will advance, is

critical for the future of stem cell medicine in Mexico, and the world.” A fundamental requirement for providers of medical services is to give their patients a sense of security and safety when coming in for treatment help. For additional information on adult stem cell research and increased oversight on clinics in Mexico, visit www.regenerativemedicine.mx at Av. Paseo de los Héroes #10999-501 Zona Río, Tijuana, C.P. 22010 to learn more.