Thailand is set to conduct a significant trial assessing the efficacy and safety of stem cell technology in treating heart disease. The trial will involve 40 heart patients over the next two months…
Evaluating the Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapy
This is the first official trial in Thailand evaluating the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in humans. The program is being carried out by the Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University and the Thai Heart Institute.
Dr. Pongpan Vongmanee, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Medicine, stated that there have been many reports worldwide regarding stem cell research. However, there have not yet been any official reports in Thailand regarding the potential outcomes of stem cell therapy. Therefore, the results of this trial will serve as specific guiding principles to outline an effective plan for the development of stem cells in the country.
Diagram of stem cells that can transform into various cell types in the body (Image: republicanvoices.org)
In this trial, doctors will extract approximately 100 to 200cc of blood from 20 patients to carry out the stem cell extraction process. The harvested stem cells will then be implanted back into the patients’ hearts to treat their heart conditions. Meanwhile, the other 20 patients will receive standard treatment. The outcomes of the two patient groups will be compared to assess the effectiveness of the stem cell therapy.
Dr. Pongpan noted that the research team will need at least one year to reach a conclusion regarding the efficacy of the stem cell treatment, as they must monitor the condition of the patients undergoing the trial. If the trial proceeds smoothly, Thailand will accelerate its research into stem cell technology.
Pongpan is confident that within five years, Thailand will make significant advancements in the field of stem cell therapy. Stem cells could be used as a treatment for diseases such as diabetes and neurological disorders. Currently, the Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University is constructing a stem cell laboratory worth 60 million baht.
Regulations on Stem Cell Therapy
Although the Thai government has begun officially researching stem cell treatment, private hospitals in the country have been offering this type of therapy without waiting for the trial results.
Currently, the Thai Medical Council—the governing body overseeing the ethics committee for stem cell development—has the authority to adjudicate matters relating to stem cell therapy in Thailand. However, the Council does not have the authority to prohibit stem cell treatments until the ethics committee receives a formal complaint against this type of therapy. To date, the committee has not received any complaints.
Pakdee Pothisiri, Secretary-General of the Thai Food and Drug Administration, stated that the agency is drafting regulations to control the import and export of stem cells to ensure safety.
Pakdee mentioned that when the regulations on stem cell treatment are finalized by June, the public will be invited to provide feedback, as this is a relatively new field of treatment in Thailand.
Minh Thương
