Cork GP under investigation in stem-cell therapy allegation

A GP in Co Cork is reportedly under investigation for allegedly providing controversial stem-cell therapies to multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Reports this morning said the Irish Medicines Board had launched an inquiry following reports that a Swiss biotechnology company was providing the treatment from the GP's surgery.

Patients are reportedly being charged €18,500 for a three-hour session.

Stem-cell therapy involves the introduction of healthy cells to repair and replace damaged or lost ones.

Advanced Cell Therapeutics, the Swiss company allegedly providing the treatment in Cork, says the cells it uses come from the umbilical cords of full-term newborns that are obtained with full consent.

However, this morning's reports said the Department of Health had confirmed that the use of stem-cell therapy for the treatment of MS is not licensed in Ireland because the process is still experimental.

The MS Society is also reportedly advising sufferers not to pay up to €20,000 for what it describes as an "unproven treatment".