Abstract
In sports medicine, adult stem cells are the subject of great interest. Several uses
of stem cells are under investigation including cartilage repair, meniscal regeneration,
anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and tendinopathy. Extensive clinical and
basic science research is warranted as stem cell therapies become increasingly common
in clinical practice. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
is responsible for regulating the use of stem cells through its “Human Cells, Tissues,
and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products” regulations. This report provides a brief
overview of FDA regulation of adult stem cells. Several common clinical case scenarios
are then presented that highlight how stem cells are currently being used in sports
medicine and how current FDA regulations are likely to affect the physicians who use
them. In the process, it explains how a variety of factors in sourcing and handling
these cells, particularly the extent of cell manipulation, will affect what a physician
can and cannot do without first obtaining the FDA's express approval.
Keywords
mesenchymal stem cells - adipose stem cells - HCT/Ps - FDA Section 361 - FDA Section
351 - minimal manipulation - sports medicine - cartilage - ACL - meniscus