Regulation of Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapeutic Products in Singapore.

Abstract

The regulatory environment for cell- and tissue-based therapeutic (CTT) products is rapidly evolving and drug regulatory agencies are working toward establishing a risk-based system in their regulatory approach. In Singapore, CTT products such as cell therapy products, stem cell products, and tissue-engineered products in regenerative medicine are regulated as medicinal products. CTT products are defined as articles containing or consisting of autologous or allogeneic human or xenogeneic cells or tissues that are used for or administered to, or intended to be used for or administered to human beings for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of human diseases or conditions. Currently, we have applied a risk-based tiered approach whereby high-risk CTT products (substantially manipulated products, products intended for nonhomologous use or combined/used in conjunction with a drug, biologic, or device) are regulated under the Medicines Act. A new standalone regulation for CTT products is being proposed under the Health Products Act where we propose to regulate the entire spectrum (high and low risk) of CTT products.