In this global race to develop treatments for covid-19, the most untrue findings were of stem cell therapy. As another year is passing by in this epidemic, misconceptions of stem cells took the scientific society by storm.
While stem cell therapy treats a number of diseases and conditions, there are still no approved or clinically tested treatment currently available. Experts fear that people will forget covid-19 rules in the hope that these false treatments will save and protect them. Given the urgency of the ongoing pandemic, even the smallest news on covid-19 quickly enters social media despite having any proof of being true.
Many stem cell clinics have a history of selling unproven cure for injuries and illnesses. These range from Alzheimer’s disease to pulmonary disorders to spinal cord injuries. Some claimed about ‘immune-boosting’ therapies as a cure for covid-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by SARS CoV-2. Although the clinical trials for these products are yet to take place for approval. Clinics selling stem cell treatments sometimes use these findings and news to use the fears of patients. Unethically spreading the unproven help of stem cell to boost the immune system, regenerate lung tissue and prevent infection of covid-19. There are reports of patients suffering from these treatments like blindness and death. Patients also suffer financially as the therapy varies in price from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Also the businesses carry a long history of selling treatments and therapies for which evidence do not yet exist. Researchers believe that the examples of selling falsely claimed products by these companies are in large numbers. It was an opportunity for them to generate new revenue and gain popularity.
Taking strong action the misconceptions of stem cells for covid
Some Food companies and commissions have sent strict warnings to many clinics making false claims. The experts ask for a stronger action against such companies and clinics to reduce the sale of these products. Such as taking large fines or charge them by law, taking away their medical permit or forcing them to return money to patients.
The most trending topic for researchers as well as public now a days is finding a way to end this pandemic. People should try not to spread misconceptions of stem cells for treating covid.