U S Government Accountability Office

Regenerative medicine, federal investment, information sharing, and challenges in an evolving field U S Government Accountability Office

" Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary field with a focus on conducting research and developing treatments for a vast assortment of previously untreatable diseases and conditions through self-healing-a process by which the body uses its own systems to recreate cells and rebuild tissues and organs. GAO was asked to review the federal involvement in this field. This report describes (1) which federal agencies conducted or funded regenerative medicine research in recent years and how these agencies invested their resources; (2) the activities these federal agencies undertake to share information across agencies; and (3) the challenges to advancing the field of regenerative medicine identified by federal agencies and other stakeholders and the steps taken, if any, to address them. GAO analyzed funding data from seven federal agencies active in regenerative medicine research in fiscal years 2012 through 2014, the 3 most recent years for which full funding data were available; reviewed agency documents, including reports and strategic plans, and an interagency working group's meeting agendas and minutes. GAO also interviewed officials from the seven agencies, as well as nonfederal stakeholders, representing academic and state-funded research institutions, patient advocacy groups"