Unapproved stem cell therapies: Risks, realities and responsibilities

Featuring:

Paul Knoepfler, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, UC Davis School of Medicine

Amy Zarzeczny, PhD LLM, Associate Professor, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina

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Unapproved stem cell therapies continue to be a significant concern in the regenerative medicine field. In this episode, Drs. Paul Knoepfler and Amy Zarzeczny discuss the issue. Listeners will hear the risks and implications of these treatments, and why they are not just a problem abroad but also in North America. Our guests discuss the medical dangers of these therapies, and the potential for them to erode public trust in science. 

Desperation often drives patients to seek unapproved treatments. Drs. Knoepfler and Zarzeczny explore how professionals in the field can better communicate safety concerns without alienating patients and they highlight the role of regulation in addressing this issue. The experts also share what companies and governments can do to help educate the public.

This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for improving patient safety and addressing this growing issue.

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CCRM received the 2025 William Edmond Logan Award for excellence in science communications for this podcast and its award-winning blog, Signals.