Therapy with frozen sheep fetid cells for the time being further permitted

OVG Koblenz calls but comprehensive education of patients
The "Villa Medica" in the Rhineland-Palatinate Edenkoben may continue their therapies with frozen animal fresh cells for the time being. The Higher Administrative Court (OVG) Koblenz gave a corresponding urgent application for the practice, but obliged the physicians to a comprehensive education of the patients (Ref .: 6 B 10500 / 16.OVG).

The private clinic specializes in the treatment of fresh cells, which are obtained from sheep fetuses and injected into patients. Recently, only frozen cells are used. According to the doctor Burkhard Aschoff the treatment has a positive influence on the immune system, especially for joints and motor skills. This should help with states of exhaustion and potency problems as well as joint diseases and Down syndrome.

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In December, the country had banned the treatment. The freezing cells are "questionable drugs". As things stand, the benefits have not been proven. However, there are "significant risks", in particular the risk of transmission of animal pathogens and of massive immunoallergic reactions.

The (BfArM) is working on a report on fresh cell therapy. It reported several suspected cases in the US that animal pathogens may have been transmitted to patients.

After the Koblenz express resolution of 10 August 2016, the practice may nevertheless continue the treatments. However, the patients must be better informed than before, also about the concerns of the BfArM. This must be documented.

The OVG cited the justification that a substantive examination was only possible in the main proceedings. To this end, the court wants to obtain comments from the BfArM and the Paul Ehrlich Institute responsible for vaccines.

In view of the "open factual and legal situation" the consequences and interests of the practice are to be rated higher than those of the defendant country. The health concerns could be counteracted by a better education. On the other hand, a temporary ban on treatment would, in the opinion of the OVG, lead to an end to the practice and thus also a loss of jobs. mwo / fle