RESUMO
Developing countries such as China, India and Brazil are making large investments in the stem cell field. Here we argue that hands-on involvement in the field by these countries is essential if the products developed are going to be locally relevant, affordable and appropriate. However, stem cells are a high-risk investment and any global health impacts are still likely to be far off. Even if they are eventually successful, better clinical oversight and measures to ensure access are required for stem cells to have a substantial and equitable impact.
Assuntos
Saúde Global , Medicina Regenerativa/organização & administração , Células-Tronco/fisiologia , Brasil , China , Países em Desenvolvimento , Saúde Global/economia , Saúde Global/tendências , Necessidades e Demandas de Serviços de Saúde , Humanos , Cooperação Internacional , Investimentos em Saúde , Revisão da Pesquisa por Pares , Editoração/estatística & dados numéricos , Editoração/tendências , Medicina Regenerativa/economia , Medicina Regenerativa/métodos , Medicina Regenerativa/tendências , Células-Tronco/citologiaRESUMO
AIMS: Although Brazil has received attention for conducting one of the world's largest stem cell clinical trials for heart disease, little has been published regarding Brazil's regenerative medicine (RM) sector. Here we present a comprehensive case study of RM in Brazil, including analysis of the current activity, the main motivations for engaging in RM and the remaining challenges to development in this field. METHODS: Our case study is primarily based on semi-structured interviews with experts on RM in Brazil, including researchers, policymakers, clinicians, representatives of firms and regulators. RESULTS: Driven by domestic health needs and strategic government support, Brazil is producing innovative RM research, particularly for clinical research in cardiology, orthopedics, diabetes and neurology. We describe the main RM research currently taking place in Brazil, as well as some of the economic, regulatory and policy events that have created a favorable environment for RM development. Brazilian RM researchers need to overcome several formidable challenges to research: research funding is inconsistent, importation of materials is costly and slow, and weak linkages between universities, hospitals and industry impede translational research. CONCLUSIONS: Although Brazil's contribution to the RM sector is small, its niche emphasis on clinical applications may become of global importance, particularly if Brazil manages to address the challenges currently impinging on RM innovation.