I Want to Start a Stem Cell Distribution Business…Now What?

By: Matthew Fischer

Jumping into the stem cell industry can be an exciting venture.  However, with this emerging industry comes a mine field of legal pitfalls and potential problems.  The keys to a successful business not only include selecting a strong product and building strong relationships with clients but being able to navigate the regulatory framework that accompanies this type of product.

FDA regulations require establishments that perform one or more steps in the manufacturing process of HCT/Ps (i.e. Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products) to register and submit a list of products with the agency.  If so, you have five days to register after beginning operations.  When I mention “manufacturing” to clients they usually interject with “I only want to distribute.”  Good point.  However, the FDA defines “manufacture” as any or all steps in the recovery, processing, storage, labeling, packaging, or distribution of any human cell or tissue.  These registrations must be updated annually and in the event of a change of ownership, within 30 days of the change. Continue reading

FDA Stem Cell Clinic Legal Issues: Stepped Up Enforcement

healthcare regulatory compliance audit

By: Matthew Fischer

With the rapid growth of the regenerative medicine field, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is trying to strike the right balance between preventing harm to the public and fostering innovation of new treatments.  In an effort to prevent potential harm, the FDA stepped up enforcement this week.  In two complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of the FDA, the FDA has sought permanent injunctions against a California and Florida stem cell clinic along with their owners and officers to prevent the marketing of stem cell products without FDA approval and for failure to correct deviations from manufacturing practice requirements.Continue reading

The Regenerative Medicine Fast Track: What is the RMAT Designation?

RMAT designationBy: Matthew Fischer

The regenerative medicine arena consists of a wide range of innovative products.  Congress, acknowledging the importance of this field, has established a new program via the 21st Century Cures Act to help spur development and provide for accelerated approval for regenerative medicine products similar to the FDA’s fast track and breakthrough therapy designations.  This new approval is the Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) Designation.

The RMAT Designation includes all the benefits of the FDA’s other accelerated designations including early agency engagement and priority review; however, unlike the other designations, the RMAT Designation does not require evidence that the product offers substantial improvement over other therapies.  For a drug to be eligible for the RMAT Designation, it must meet the following:Continue reading

FDA Stem Cell Guidance Explained: 1271.10(a) Criteria vs. The Same Surgical Procedure Exception

fda stem cell business

fda stem cell business

By: Matthew Fischer

Certain stem cell products fall under the definition of a HCT/P.  If so, unless an exception is met, the product will be subject to regulation by various laws and regulations such as the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), Public Health Safety Act (“PHSA”), and 21 CFR 1271.  When determining which apply, 21 CFR 1271.10(a) and the exception in 21 CFR 1271.15(b) (i.e. the “Same Surgical Procedure Exception”) must be reviewed.  However, many are left asking: what is the relationship between the same surgical procedure exception and the four criteria set forth in 21 CFR 1271.10(a)?  Thanks to recent guidance released by the FDA, some clarification has arrived. Continue reading

Regenerative Medicine: Navigating New FDA Guidance for HCT/P

stem cell therapy

stem cell therapyBy: Matt Fischer & Susan St. John

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidance for regenerative medicine manufacturers and healthcare providers.  At the core of the guidance are two central interpretations: 1) the FDA’s current interpretation of the minimal manipulation and homologous use criteria set forth in 21 CFR Part 1271; and 2) the FDA’s current view on the same surgical procedure exception under 21 CFR 1271.15(b).  Additionally, the FDA issued a notice to all interested stakeholders that the FDA intends to initiate increased discretionary enforcement over the next 36 months for human cell and tissue-based products.  Given these developments, healthcare companies and providers impacted by this guidance are strongly encouraged to ensure compliance with the FDA’s new interpretations.Continue reading