The FAGG warns against unauthorized stem cell therapies offered online by providers outside the European Union, particularly from Turkey, such as Liv Hospital and You StemCell. These treatments may pose serious health risks.

Stem cell therapy is a medical treatment in which stem cells are used to replace damaged, diseased, or missing cells in the body.Although therapies offered outside the European Union may seem promising, they lack the guarantees of quality, safety, and efficacy provided by the European regulatory review process. Consequently, the quality, efficacy, and, above all, the safety of these products have not been demonstrated and cannot be guaranteed.

These treatments can cause serious side effects. It is unclear how the quality of the products used during these treatments is ensured. As a result, patients not only face health risks, but may also be confronted with high costs and disappointing or even harmful results.

Stem cell therapies performed at facilities outside the European Union—often in Turkey, such as at Liv Hospital and You StemCell—are frequently promoted through websites and social media. They are presented as a last resort for serious conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, infertility, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Providers sometimes falsely claim that their stem cell therapy can cure these conditions.

The FAGG is taking action against the offering of these unapproved stem cell therapies and is working closely with other European health authorities to crack down on providers.

What can you do yourself?

•    Don’t be misled by attracting online ads or social media posts.

•    Be cautious about treatments that promise miraculous results.

•    Always discuss potential treatments with your treating physician.

Belgian patients and healthcare professionals can report suspicious cases via medicrime@fagg.be

Source: website FAGG