Beware of the commercialization of human cells and tissues: situation in the European Union.

Pirnay, Jean-Paul;Vanderkelen, Alain;Ectors, Nadine;Delloye, Christian;Verbeken, Gilbert;et.al.
(2012) Cell and Tissue Banking — Vol. 13, n° 3, p. 487-498 (2012)

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Authors
  • Pirnay, Jean-Paul
    Author
  • Vanderkelen, Alain
    Author
  • Ectors, Nadine
    Author
  • Delloye, ChristianUCLouvain
    Author
  • Dufrane, DenisUCLouvain
    Author
  • Verbeken, Gilbert
    Author
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Abstract
With this analysis we would like to raise some issues that emerge as a result of recent evolutions in the burgeoning field of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based product (HCT/P) transplantation, and this in the light of the current EU regulatory framework. This paper is intended as an open letter addressed to the EU policy makers, who will be charged with the review and revision of the current legislation. We propose some urgent corrections or additions to cope with the rapid advances in biomedical science, an extensive commercialization of HCT/Ps, and the growing expectation of the general public regarding the ethical use of altruistically donated cells and tissues. Without a sound wake-up call, the diverging interests of this newly established 'healthcare' industry and the wellbeing of humanity will likely lead to totally unacceptable situations, like some of which we are reporting here.
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Citations

Pirnay, J.-P., Vanderkelen, A., Ectors, N., Delloye, C., Dufrane, D., Baudoux, E., Van Brussel, M., Casaer, M. P., De Vos, D., Draye, J.-P., Rose, T., Jennes, S., Neirinckx, P., Laire, G., Zizi, M., & Verbeken, G. (2012). Beware of the commercialization of human cells and tissues: situation in the European Union. Cell and Tissue Banking, 13(3), 487-498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-012-9323-3 (Original work published 2012)