health
Autistic children being injected with unapproved stem cell treatments supported by RFK Jr
Desperate US parents paying up to $20,000 a session for a procedure scientists say could be bogus
TL;DR
- Clinics in Florida, Texas, and other states are administering unapproved human stem cell treatments derived from umbilical cords to autistic children, some as young as 18 months.
- These treatments can cost up to $20,000 per session, with families often advised to return for regular top-ups.
- There is no scientific evidence that these stem cell infusions are effective for treating autism; a Duke University trial found insignificant benefits.
- The FDA cautions that stem cell treatments offered outside approved clinical trials are likely illegal and warns of potential complications such as blindness, tumor formation, and infections.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has actively supported alternative health providers offering stem cell infusions for autistic children, appearing at advocacy summits.
- Some providers are using stem cells from sources like slaughtered sheep and rabbits, while others operate clinics in countries with looser regulations, such as Mexico.
- The 'right-to-try' law, cited by some providers, is not applicable to non-life-threatening conditions like autism.