A Q&A with medical director Dr. David Allan

On May 15, Health Canada published a policy position paper warning Canadian patients of the risks associated with autologous cell therapy products. Health Canada also directed clinics that offer unproven, potentially unsafe treatments to stop offering these services immediately. Canadian Blood Services welcomes this position.

For clarification, Health Canada’s position paper and statement does not impact Canadian Blood Services, which already operates with Health Canada’s oversight. We welcome the approach by the regulator to ensure that the public is protected from unproven and potentially harmful claims and interventions.

Our medical director, Dr. David Allan, speaks about this issue and sheds light on blood stem cells and its clinical uses.