Ethical Issues and Public Communication in the Development of Cell-based Treatments for COVID-19: Lessons from the Pandemic

Overview

Journal Stem Cell Reports

Publisher Cell Press

Specialty Cell Biology

Date 2021 Oct 15

PMID 34653406

Citations 8

Authors

Leigh Turner

Megan Munsie

Aaron D Levine

Laertis Ikonomou

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The significant morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) prompted a global race to develop new therapies. These include interventions using cell- or cell-derived products, several of which are being tested in well-designed, properly controlled clinical trials. Yet, the search for cell-based COVID-19 treatments has also been fraught with hyperbolic claims; flouting of crucial regulatory, scientific, and ethical norms; and distorted communication of research findings. In this paper, we critically examine ethical issues and public communication challenges related to the development of cell-based therapeutics for COVID-19. Drawing on the lessons learned from this ongoing process, we argue against the rushed development of cell-based interventions. We conclude by outlining ways to improve the ethical conduct of cell-based clinical investigations and public communication of therapeutic claims.

Citing Articles

The evolution and ongoing challenge of unproven cell-based interventions.

Brinsfield T, Pinson N, Levine A Stem Cells Transl Med. 2024; 13(9):851-858.

PMID: 39045646 PMC: 11386208. DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae050.

Businesses marketing purported stem cell treatments and exosome therapies for COVID-19: An analysis of direct-to-consumer online advertising claims.

Turner L, Martinez Jr J, Najjar S, Rajapaksha Arachchilage T, Wang J Stem Cell Reports. 2023; 18(11):2010-2015.

PMID: 37890484 PMC: 10679647. DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.015.

Participatory Design and Evaluation of the "Stem Cells Australia" Website for Delivering Complex Health Knowledge: Mixed Methods Study.

Pang P, Munsie M, Chang S, Tanner C, Walker C J Med Internet Res. 2023; 25:e44733.

PMID: 37471121 PMC: 10401697. DOI: 10.2196/44733.

Unproven cell interventions in Poland and the exploitation of European Union law on advanced therapy medicinal products.

Dulak J, Pecyna M Stem Cell Reports. 2023; 18(8):1610-1620.

PMID: 37390824 PMC: 10444563. DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.05.017.

Education for the translation of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products.

Adamo D, Attico E, Pellegrini G Front Med (Lausanne). 2023; 10:1125892.

PMID: 37081845 PMC: 10110892. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1125892.

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