New State Stem Cell Laws: A Brief Overview

stem cell law

By: Matthew Fischer

Amid the growing focus on stem cell products by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple states have proposed and passed some form of stem cell law or clinic regulation.  While some center the regulation on informing prospective customers of the risks associated with these treatments others seek to protect the availability of these treatments in the form of a “right-to-try” law.  Here are a few examples:

California

Effective January of this year, California implemented a new regulation in its Business and Professions Code aimed at clinics offering non-FDA approved stem cell treatments.  The regulation requires a notice to be posted at the clinic entrance along with the requirement to provide a separate written notice to the patient prior to initiating treatment.  However, this requirement does not apply if a licensed health care practitioner has obtained approval for an investigational new drug from the FDA. Continue reading

Stem Cell Legal Update: Senator Targets Unproven Procedures

stem cell legal

stem cell legalBy: Matthew Fischer

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley issued a press release last week indicating that he sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking additional information regarding the investigation into U.S. Stem Cell Clinic, LLC based in Sunrise, Florida.  The letter poses seven questions with a deadline of April 27th.  Last November, the FDA issued new guidance regarding human cell and tissue based treatments and announced its intention to crackdown on unproven treatments.  Hence, many in the industry are watching closely to see what actions if any have been taken.

In August 2017, the FDA issued a press release setting forth the details of a warning letter sent to U.S. Stem Cell Clinic, LLC.  The warning letter cited manufacturing deviations, efforts to impede an investigation, and issuance of a demand for corrective action.  This step was taken as a result of several people experiencing blindness after receiving stem cell injections for treatment of macular degeneration.  One of the patients noted that she believed the treatment was part of a clinical trial listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.Continue reading

The Regenerative Medicine Fast Track: What is the RMAT Designation?

RMAT designationBy: Matthew Fischer

The regenerative medicine arena consists of a wide range of innovative products.  Congress, acknowledging the importance of this field, has established a new program via the 21st Century Cures Act to help spur development and provide for accelerated approval for regenerative medicine products similar to the FDA’s fast track and breakthrough therapy designations.  This new approval is the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation.

The RMAT Designation includes all the benefits of the FDA’s other accelerated designations including early agency engagement and priority review; however, unlike the other designations, the RMAT Designation does not require evidence that the product offers substantial improvement over other therapies.  For a drug to be eligible for the RMAT Designation, it must meet the following:Continue reading

FDA Stem Cell Guidance Explained: 1271.10(a) Criteria vs. The Same Surgical Procedure Exception

fda stem cell business

fda stem cell business

By: Matthew Fischer

Certain stem cell products fall under the definition of a HCT/P.  If so, unless an exception is met, the product will be subject to regulation by various laws and regulations such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), Public Health Safety Act (“PHSA”), and 21 CFR 1271.  When determining which apply, 21 CFR 1271.10(a) and the exception in 21 CFR 1271.15(b) (i.e. the “Same Surgical Procedure Exception”) must be reviewed.  However, many are left asking: what is the relationship between the same surgical procedure exception and the four criteria set forth in 21 CFR 1271.10(a)?  Thanks to recent guidance released by the FDA, some clarification has arrived. Continue reading

Stem Cell Business: 3 Key Considerations for Providers

stem cell businessBy: Matthew Fischer

There are no off the shelf solutions when it comes to starting a new stem cell business or adding a new component to a practice. Between navigating regulations, receiving training, and marketing the service, there’s a lot to address in a short time.  Trying to do it all yourself?  You may be a highly trained clinician, but given healthcare’s ever-changing regulatory environment, seeking out experienced counsel at the outset will save lots of time and money in the long run.  To get started, here is a short summary of what to expect.

Stem Cell Business – Corporate Structure

The first issue is always protection when starting a business or adding a new service.  Take the case of an orthopedic physician that wants to add stem cell treatments (e.g. PRP) to his or her practice.  The initial inclination is usually to create a new entity separate from the medical practice.  What the physician is likely unaware of is that this may create exposure to state self-referral laws.  Typically, under these types of laws, intent is not a requirement to find a physician liable for wrongdoing.  Therefore, is it important to determine if your state has this type of law and if so, how to structure the new venture before moving forward.Continue reading

The FDA Inspection and Enforcement Process: A Guide for HCT/P Manufacturers and Providers

stem cell therapyBy: Matthew Fischer

In November 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidance regarding its current interpretation of the minimal manipulation and homologous use criteria set forth in 21 CFR Part 1271(a) and the agency’s view on the same surgical procedure exception under 21 CFR 1271.15(b).  Additionally, the FDA issued a notice to all interested stakeholders that the agency intends to initiate increased discretionary enforcement over the next 36 months for HCT/P businesses.  Based on the agency’s latest position, it is important for HCT/P manufacturers and providers to understand the inspection process and be prepared to respond accordingly in this heightened regulatory environment.

The FDA is tasked with regulating HCT/Ps under the authority of Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS).  Within the FDA, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) is responsible for ensuring the safety of these products and promoting corrective action.  In order to reach this goal, CBER is armed with an array of administrative actions to address violations of regulatory significance.  Continue reading

Compliant STEM Cell Therapy & HCT/Ps: Beginner’s Guide

stem cell therapy compliance

stem cell therapyBy: Susan St. John

Many practitioners or establishments looking to enhance their practice and offer more treatment options to their patients are considering HCT/P and Stem Cell Therapy in addition to other traditional treatment options. However, before embarking on offering HCT/P or STEM Cell Therapy, a practitioner or establishment needs to carefully consider protocol and procedure for offering HCT/Ps or STEM Cell Therapy.

The FDA defines HCT/Ps as “articles containing or consisting of human cells or tissues that are intended for implantation, transplantation, infusion or transfer into a human recipient.” 21 CFR 1271.3(d). HCT/Ps include bone, ligament, skin, dura mater, heart valve, cornea, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells derived from peripheral and cord blood, manipulated autologous chondrocytes, epithelial cells on a synthetic matrix, and semen or other reproductive tissue.Continue reading