BBC Newsnight and stem cells
05 Sep 2006
The BBC programme Newsnight has claimed that stem cells used by Advanced Cell Therapeutics for the treatment of MS may have come from a source not suitable for use in humans. An investigation into the company was followed next evening by interviews with people who have received the treatment or were planning to do so and with the MS Society's chief executive, Simon Gillespie.
UPDATE 5/09/06: BBC Newsnight has returned to the Rotterdam clinic which was offering ACT's stem cell therapy with the family of a patient who was due to receive the treatment. Dr Robert Trossel says all treatments there have now been suspended. The programme also reported on the couple behind ACT challenging their extradition order from South Africa to face charges in the United States. They could also face charges in South Africa.
We would advise people with MS not to buy stem cell treatments from this company until Dutch investigators have completed their investigations into the PMC clinic in Rotterdam, and until ACT have proved to the satisfaction of external investigators that their stem cells come from appropriate sources. We are approaching ACT to ask them for their own response to the issues raised in the programme.
We would reiterate that there is, as yet, no scientific evidence to support claims that stem cell treatments are effective for MS in humans.
Anyone who is considering undertaking stem cell treatment for MS, despite the lack of scientific evidence that it is effective and in the light of concerns over its safety, should consult their GP, neurologist or MS nurse as a matter of urgency. You can also call the MS Helpline on 0808 800 8000. Further information on stem cells and on ACT is available elsewhere on our website at:
Current stem cell research
You can watch Newsnight again at the Newsnight website:
Newsnight: Tuesday, 29 August, 2006
Newsnight: Wednesday, 30 August, 2006
Newsnight: Monday, 4th September, 2006
Please note that Advanced Cell Therapeutics is not the same company as Advanced Cell Technology.
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