The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan announced the “Special Management Measures” in 2018, which opened up six types of cell therapy technologies such as autologous immune cells and autologous stem cells. It has been five years since the implementation of these measures, and the ministry has never published the results. Health Minister Xue Ruiyuan stated on the 9th that they plan to release data next week, including the number of cases received, the median survival of cancer patients, and more.
The Social Welfare and Environmental Health Committee of the Legislative Yuan reviewed both the “Regenerative Medicine Law” and the “Regenerative Medicine Preparations Regulations” on the 9th. Prior to the meeting, in a joint interview with the media, it was pointed out that the results of the cases related to the “Special Management Measures” had not been made public despite being in effect for five years.
Xue Ruiyuan responded that it is indeed difficult to disclose the effectiveness because the time is too short, especially in terms of cancer treatment. Although the “Special Management Measures” have been in effect for five years, not every case has been implemented for that duration. Cases are continuously coming in, some with very short implementation periods, making it premature to assess the effectiveness.
Xue Ruiyuan mentioned that data, including treatment methods, the number of cases received, the median survival of cancer patients, and other statistics, are expected to be released next week. The content of outcomes to be disclosed in the future will be gradually collected and adjusted after the passage of the Regenerative Medicine Law and Preparations Regulations.
Ultimately, the review of the Regenerative Medicine Law and the Preparations Regulations was successfully completed on the 9th and sent to the Health and Environmental Health Committee. Controversial provisions, such as the prohibition of “fetuses” as cell donors, were included in the discussions but ultimately a consensus was reached without the need for negotiation between the ruling and opposition parties. This also marked Xue Ruiyuan’s last participation in reviewing bills at the Legislative Yuan before stepping down, handing in his report card.