Position statement on the sale of unproven cellular therapies for spinal cord injury The International Campaign for Cures of Spinal Cord Injury Paralysis

Over the past few years, it has become possible for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) to purchase experimental treatments, often involving transplantation of ‘stem cells’ or other cells or tissues. These cell-based therapies are advertised as having beneficial effects, leading to some recovery of function, even though there is little or no evidence supporting such claims. Generally, these interventions are provided in countries where government regulation for consumer protection is less comprehensive or effective than in many developed countries.