Met investigates 'stem-cell autism cure' claim

The Royal Borough of Greenwich says it is aware of concerns surrounding "experimental procedures" on autistic children

The Met Police has launched an investigation over concerns about stem-cell injections being offered to children as a cure for autism.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich told BBC London it was aware of concerns surrounding "experimental procedures" on autistic children.

The Met said it was investigating "a reported fraud relating to the provision of medical services".

The National Autistic Society said there was no "cure" for autism.

Greenwich Council said it issued a warning to schools and nurseries in the borough after it became aware of concerns.

A spokesperson said the authority had recently been made aware of concerns that "an individual claiming to be a doctor plans to visit the UK to offer dangerous, experimental procedures on children with autism".

"We understand that this person is proposing the transfer of bone marrow and spinal fluid to the brain by injection," the spokesperson said.

"This unlicensed procedure poses a significant threat to life and there is no evidence of any benefits.

"The safety and welfare of our children and young people is of the utmost importance."

• The risks behind the hype of stem-cell treatments

Greenwich Council has urged families not to engage with the medical service and to inform the authority if approached by someone offering it.

Newham Council also issued a warning to health leaders and children's services on 5 April regarding its concern about a "potential threat to children".

Investigation

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the person(s) behind these adverts and to confirm where they are based.

"There is no evidence to suggest that the person(s) behind these adverts has treated anybody in the UK."

The force added that it was working closely with local authority and NHS partners and no arrests have been made.

'Very significant risks'

Prof Declan Murphy, a leading figure in autism research at King's College London, told the BBC any stem-cell injection "should not be offered" as a cure for autism.

"There is no good evidence that stem-cell treatments are effective for autism," he said.

"Indeed the current evidence shows the opposite - it shows that they are ineffective and come with very significant risks."

• ASA rules fake autism 'cure' ads must stop

A spokesperson for National Autistic Society called the investigation "extremely worrying".

"Autism is not a disease or illness and therefore it cannot be 'treated' and there is no 'cure'," they said.

"There is very little evidence about stem cells and autism. There are also concerns about the regulation of stem-cell procedures, which could be painful or even hazardous depending on how they are administered.

"We would encourage anyone looking for advice or guidance about autism to seek reliable and safe information from our charity, the NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence."

NHS London declined to comment.

Additional reporting by Tolu Adeoye

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