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Stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases: challenges from a science, business and healthcare perspective
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 20:34 authored by Achim RosemannProfits in medicine are typically justified by the notion of a ‘social contract’ between sci- ence and society: pharmaceutical and biotech companies are permitted to charge high fees, because revenues are reinvested into research and these investments result in new drugs and the improved health of citizens. A central premise of this model is, however, that the development of novel medicines is financially sustainable: new drugs must be sold in high quantities and be subsidized by welfare state arrangements, so that development costs can be transformed into surplus and future discovery. In the emerging field of stem cell medicine, though, it is still uncertain whether these aims can be achieved. In this article I will discuss this situation with a particular emphasis on neurodegenerative disease research. Although the development of marketable stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative and other neurological diseases is now within reach, it is an open question to what extent these emerging therapeutic strategies can be translated into affordable and widely accessible routine applications. The successful marketing of these treatments and, in particular, the facilitation of widespread and equitable access by patients are affected by various challenges. In this article, three central factors that hinder the translation of the therapeutic potential of stem cells into routine, reimbursable healthcare practice will be discussed: unresolved scientific challenges, the risk of unsustainable development costs and the problem of integrating expensive stem cell treatments into national healthcare portfolios.
Funding
Bionetworking in Asia - A social science approach to international collaboration, informal exchanges, and responsible innovation in the life sciences; G0812; EUROPEAN UNION; 283219
Bionetworking in Asia - International collaboration, exchange, and responsible innovation in the life sciences; G0750; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/I018107/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Neurodegenerative Disease ManagementISSN
1758-2024Publisher
Future MedicineExternal DOI
Issue
2Volume
5Page range
85-87Department affiliated with
- Anthropology Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-04-23First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-04-23Usage metrics
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