New stem cell preparation standard released

The Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics announced a new standard for stem cell preparation, processing and quality examination in Shanghai yesterday.

In order to provide industry guidance for medical professionals in clinical stem cell research, the standard regulates the collection and acceptance of stem cell samples, preparation and transportation of the samples, information management and quality control.

“Every sample should receive a series of standardized preparations and more than 10 quality checks — only qualified samples can be used in clinical research,” said Jia Wenwen from Shanghai East Hospital, which led the drafting of the standard.

Professionals also warned that the so-called stem cell extracted from a person’s own fat for anti-aging or aesthetic treatment are all illegal. “Such practices are still in the clinical research phase,” said Dr Li Qingfeng, vice president of the Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics. “Standard stem cell preparation is the first step to study the use of stem cell therapy.”

Dr Liu Zhongmin, president of Shanghai East Hospital, said his team spent two years and consulted over 30 leading experts in the field to work out the standard.

“Shanghai set up a stem cell research center in Zhangjiang in 2014," he added. "Our hospital has carried out clinical research on stem cell treatment in heart failure, arthritis and diabetes.”