Centre asks states, UTs to clamp down on stem cell therapy for autism care

Health Ministry says stem cell therapy for autism must remain restricted to approved clinical trials, while unauthorised use could invite regulatory and disciplinary action.

The Union Health Ministry has asked states and Union Territories (UTs) to regulate the use of stem cell therapy as standard clinical care only for approved disease conditions, while its use for autism remains restricted to duly approved clinical trials.

With regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the advisory states that the therapeutic use of any type of stem cell is to remain restricted to duly approved clinical trials, in accordance with the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research.

The guidelines were issued jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 2017.

The advisory comes after the Supreme Court’s judgment of January 30, 2026, in Yash Charitable Trust and Others versus Union of India and Others.

The apex court had stated that administering stem cell therapy for ASD outside approved and monitored clinical trials is unethical and constitutes professional misconduct or medical malpractice.