By The Japan Times –
A series of fatal accidents and regulatory violations involving regenerative treatments not covered by insurance have occurred in Japan, prompting health authorities to review related systems.
Regenerative medicine, which uses cells or genes to restore bodily functions lost due to illness or injury, is not only employed in government-approved pharmaceutical and other medical products but is also widely offered as noncovered medical care in Japan.
Regenerative care involves large medical bills because it is not covered by the country’s public medical insurance system. Yet such noncovered regenerative treatments, including beauty care and cancer treatment, are often provided without adequate verifications of its effects and safety.
