Risk-based pricing models and the role they might play in patients’ access to new stem cell therapies

Stem cell research is currently undergoing a promising transformation from primarily basic research to increasing emphasis on translation and clinical trials. To reach patients, however, stem cell treatments need to be not only technically but also economically viable. In this commentry we present insights into emerging pricing models that may help ensure access to advanced and expensive treatments like stem cell therapies. Further, we present some reflections on the practical and ethical challenges that these models involve. We provide this information to allow the field of translational stem cell research to think ahead and to raise awareness of the outstanding social and ethical issues.