Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Stem Cell Therapy For Autism: What India’s New Advisory Means For Patients

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory stating that <span>stem cell therapy</span> should be used as standard care only for diseases or indications approved by the Ministry.

The advisory reiterates the existing regulatory framework governing stem cell research and therapy.

The advisory directs that <span>stem cell therapy for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/autism">Autism</a></span> Spectrum Disorder (ASD) be restricted to approved clinical trials.

This aligns with the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017, issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with other applicable government instructions.

The advisory also says unproven stem cell interventions, including those for ASD, should not be offered as “routine, standard or commercial clinical services.”

“All States and Union Territories must adopt the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, regarding regulation of stem cell therapy,” the Ministry said.

The directions apply to government and private clinical establishments involved in stem cell research, treatment, promotion or administration.

The Supreme Court had earlier ruled against the use of stem cell therapy for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/autism">autism</a></span> outside approved clinical trials. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also warned doctors and hospitals against offering it as routine treatment for ASD.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/autism-care-begins-early-why-the-first-1000-days-matter-most-says-aiims-expert-article-154223267" data-type="tilCustomLink">Autism Care Begins Early: Why the First 1,000 Days Matter Most, Says AIIMS Expert</a>

The Ministry has asked States and Union Territories to ensure that hospitals, clinics and other establishments involved in stem cell research or treatment comply with the regulatory framework.

The Supreme Court, in its January 30, 2026 judgment, said violations can lead to professional misconduct proceedings, as well as action under the Clinical Establishments Act, including cancellation of registration and penalties.

<h2>NMC: Stem Cell Therapy Only For Approved Uses</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/could-tylenol-taken-during-pregnancy-affect-girl-childs-future-reproductive-health-study-raises-concern-article-156125035" data-type="tilCustomLink">Could Tylenol Taken During Pregnancy Affect Girl Child’s Future Reproductive Health? Study Raises Concern</a>

In its September 5, 2026 advisory, the National Medical Commission (NMC) said stem cell therapy can be offered as standard clinical care only for approved indications.

Unauthorized administration, prescription, promotion or advertising of stem cell therapy beyond approved indications may amount to professional misconduct, it said.

State Medical Councils have been asked to examine alleged violations and take disciplinary action where professional misconduct by a registered medical practitioner is established after due process.

<h2>Which Diseases Can Be Treated With <span rel="noindex">Stem Cells</span>?</h2>

Earlier this year, ICMR Director-General Dr <span>Rajiv Bahl</span> told the NMC that stem cell treatment could be used in regular medical practice only for 32 government-approved diseases.

<ul><li>Acute myeloid leukemia</li><li>Thalassemia</li><li>Multiple myeloma</li><li>Aplastic anemia</li><li>Myelofibrosis</li><li>Germ cell tumors</li></ul>

The ICMR DG asked doctors not to offer stem cell therapy for diseases outside the approved list. Current international guidelines also do not recommend stem cell therapy as a treatment for ASD.

Sports Stars, Junk Food & Sugary Drinks: How Marketing Impacts Health

In January, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said stem cell therapy lacks “scientific support” and has not been recognized as a sound medical practice backed by empirical evidence.

The Bench ruled that “every use of stem cells in patients outside an approved clinical trial is unethical and shall be considered as malpractice.”

The Court said stem cell therapy can still be studied through monitored clinical research trials, and patients can participate in approved and regulated trials.

Stem cell therapy, also called regenerative medicine, uses stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues.

While stem cell therapy is used for certain blood cancers and blood disorders, there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use as a treatment for autism.

Stem cell therapy remains vastly unregulated in India, and some private labs have been making money by promising treatment for autism, according to experts.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

stem-cell-therapy-for-autism-what-indias-new-advisory-means-for-patients

stem cell therapy

autism

autism spectrum disorder

stem cell therapy for autism

health ministry

Stem Cells

rajiv bahl

world-patient-safety-day-why-insulin-innovation-in-diabetes-care-demands-an-ecosystem-approach

World Patient Safety Day: Why Insulin Innovation in Diabetes Care Demands an Ecosystem Approach

scientists-grow-human-brain-tissue-inside-mice-could-this-be-a-milestone-in-brain-disease-research

Scientists Grow Human Brain Tissue Inside Mice: Could This Help Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy & Autism Research?

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory stating that stem cell therapy should be used as standard care only for diseases or indications approved by the Ministry.The advisory reiterates the existing regulatory framework governing stem cell research and therapy.What Does The Advisory Say?The advisory directs that stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) be restricted to approved clinical trials.This aligns with the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017, issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), along with other applicable government instructions.The advisory also says unproven stem cell interventions, including those for ASD, should not be offered as “routine, standard or commercial clinical services.”“All States and Union Territories must adopt the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, regarding regulation of stem cell therapy,” the Ministry said.The directions apply to government and private clinical establishments involved in stem cell research, treatment, promotion or administration.The Supreme Court had earlier ruled against the use of stem cell therapy for autism outside approved clinical trials. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also warned doctors and hospitals against offering it as routine treatment for ASD.Also read: Autism Care Begins Early: Why the First 1,000 Days Matter Most, Says AIIMS Expert Action Against ViolationsThe Ministry has asked States and Union Territories to ensure that hospitals, clinics and other establishments involved in stem cell research or treatment comply with the regulatory framework.The Supreme Court, in its January 30, 2026 judgment, said violations can lead to professional misconduct proceedings, as well as action under the Clinical Establishments Act, including cancellation of registration and penalties.NMC: Stem Cell Therapy Only For Approved UsesRead More: Could Tylenol Taken During Pregnancy Affect Girl Child’s Future Reproductive Health? Study Raises ConcernIn its September 5, 2026 advisory, the National Medical Commission (NMC) said stem cell therapy can be offered as standard clinical care only for approved indications.Unauthorized administration, prescription, promotion or advertising of stem cell therapy beyond approved indications may amount to professional misconduct, it said.State Medical Councils have been asked to examine alleged violations and take disciplinary action where professional misconduct by a registered medical practitioner is established after due process.Which Diseases Can Be Treated With Stem Cells?Earlier this year, ICMR Director-General Dr Rajiv Bahl told the NMC that stem cell treatment could be used in regular medical practice only for 32 government-approved diseases.These include:Acute myeloid leukemiaThalassemiaMultiple myelomaAplastic anemiaMyelofibrosisGerm cell tumorsThe ICMR DG asked doctors not to offer stem cell therapy for diseases outside the approved list. Current international guidelines also do not recommend stem cell therapy as a treatment for ASD.What Did The Supreme Court Say?      In January, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan said stem cell therapy lacks “scientific support” and has not been recognized as a sound medical practice backed by empirical evidence.The Bench ruled that “every use of stem cells in patients outside an approved clinical trial is unethical and shall be considered as malpractice.”The Court said stem cell therapy can still be studied through monitored clinical research trials, and patients can participate in approved and regulated trials.What Is Stem Cell Therapy?Stem cell therapy, also called regenerative medicine, uses stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues.While stem cell therapy is used for certain blood cancers and blood disorders, there is no established scientific evidence supporting its use as a treatment for autism.Stem cell therapy remains vastly unregulated in India, and some private labs have been making money by promising treatment for autism, according to experts.

stem cell therapy for autism: what india’s new advisory means for patients

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Stem Cell Therapy For Autism: What India’s New Advisory Means For Patients

Scientists Grow Human Brain Tissue Inside Mice: Could This Help Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy & Autism Research?

US Teen's Death Sparks Warning Over Synthetic Drug Deadlier Than Fentanyl

Ebola Transmission Falls In Some Areas Of Congo, But Outbreak Still Kills: WHO

Health Conditions A-Z

Stem Cell Therapy For Autism: What India’s New Advisory Means For Patients

World Patient Safety Day: Why Insulin Innovation in Diabetes Care Demands an Ecosystem Approach

Scientists Grow Human Brain Tissue Inside Mice: Could This Help Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy & Autism Research?