US Stem Cell Inc (USRM)

[Dragon Lady]

From the South Africa article link- discussing S. Africa law and regulation of un-proven "stem cell treatments" and "medical tourism" in S. Africa.

Last paragraphs near the bottom: (notice, you DO NOT find "diabetes" or "arthritis" or "and more" and "spinal cord" mentioned in "proven safe" treatments)

http://www.sajbl.org.za/index.php/sajbl/article/view/235/226

"Conclusion
The increasing demand for stem cell therapies should be countered by efforts to raise public awareness about the types of treatments that are scientifically sound and safe. To date, proven stem cell treatments include bone marrow transplants, bone and skin grafts, and treatments for blood and immune disorders, leukaemia and corneal disease. Patients must be informed that multiple diseases cannot be treated with the same type of stem cells.
Weak legal enforcement of the MRSCA permits the emergence of medically unsound and unethical practices that may exploit emotionally vulnerable patients.6 The only trusted sources of evidence confirming that a treatment is safe and effective are (i) independent clinical trials, approved by government regulatory agencies; (ii) evidence of ethical clearance; (iii) publication and peer review assessment in international scientific journals; and (iv) replication of results by other laboratories.
False advertisement and promises of miracle cures should be banned. Stringent rules are needed to ensure that pre-clinical studies and well-controlled clinical trials have been conducted before introducing cells into the patient.6 There must be well-proven records which indicate that the desired therapeutic effect will, under normal circumstances, be achieved.6 The person who administers such therapies must be medically qualified and familiar with stem cell therapies for a prescribed number of years. Furthermore, any work involving stem cells that will be (re)introduced into patients must be conducted in accredited or authorised institutions only, under strictly controlled conditions6 to ensure that this material is not contaminated and that no adverse effects will be produced under normal conditions.
Despite the legal requirements for the registration of biological medicines, the MCC has capacity problems and an ineffective law enforcement arm.32 The most recent example is the inability of the MCC’s law enforcement unit to deal with the so-called ‘snake doctors’ who offer bogus medical cures, including for HIV and AIDS. To compound the existing situation, the legal framework relating to the regulation of human tissues is generally unsatisfactory."

Doesn't sound to me like the S. African regulatory bodies are all "down" and "cool" with ole stem cell "treatments" being done in their backyards? Sounds like they see huge problems, are understaffed and realize they got some big problems going on IMO. That's what that article just explained to me, IMO. From the S. African Journal of Bioethics and LAW.