Stem Cell Tourism Near and Far:
Achieving a Compromise for the Patient
Thu, Sep. 22, 2016, 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University
6100 Main St., Houston, Texas 77005
Doré Commons
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 combines perspectives of a physician scientist, policy scholar, bioethicist and regulator to explore the risks surrounding stem cell tourism. Panelists will examine 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 will highlight options for better cooperation and collaboration with the FDA to expedite proven therapies.
This event is sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences and the Texas Heart Institute.
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About the Texas Heart Institute
The Texas Heart Institute, founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education and improved patient care. Together with its clinical partner, CHI St. Luke’s Health – Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, it has been ranked among the top cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News & World Report’s annual guide to “America’s Best Hospitals” for the past 24 years.
For media inquiries please contact:
Linden Emerson
713-850-2110
For THI and St. Luke's media profiles, see Public Affairs.
