Evaluation of Stem Cell Therapy as Mainstream Clinical Treatment for Cartilage Repair

60 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there is an estimated timeline for the Ministry's evaluation and approval of stem cell therapy as a mainstream clinical treatment for cartilage repair; (b) if so, what is the timeline; and (c) what are the factors that contribute to the cautious approach towards regulatory approval of such treatments.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Whether stem cell based therapies for cartilage repair becomes mainstream treatment in Singapore depends on the emergence of clinical evidence. These therapies are currently classified as investigational therapies in most overseas jurisdictions because of a lack of consistent evidence in the published medical literature to demonstrate their clinical and cost-effectiveness. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is aware that they are offered in other selected jurisdictions and we urge Singaporeans to exercise full caution when they seek these treatments overseas. MOH will continue to evaluate the evidence from both local and overseas studies for clinical and cost effectiveness.