Minister Darville: This is an exciting time
The world’s most renowned scientists and specialists in regenerative medicine, LARTA (an acronym for the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act), launched at the 5th HEALInc Global Summit last week. The regulatory unit of the Bahamas Government manages and guides biotech labs and medical practitioners seeking to perform such therapies in the country.
Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, explained that last year the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act replaced the 2016 version of the Stem Cell Act, which did not mirror the scientific and technological advances in the world, today.
When the legislature was enacted last summer, it meant Bahamians and residents would have access to cutting edge, world class longevity and regenerative therapies at their doorsteps.
“This is an exciting time for Bahamians and for us as a country, because now we can monitor these unique, life-saving therapies and ensure that these therapies are provided in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,” said Minister Darville.
Through its private-public partnership, LARTA will manage grant ethics approvals and licenses, oversee research protocols, and review compliance eligibility for longevity and regenerative therapy programs through its digital portal.
Josh Mann, COO of LARTA, explains that the private-public will work “hand in glove” with the Government, as it will also provide a guide to companies and individuals through the regulatory process.
“We’re really at an inflection point in regenerative medicine and longevity, and we need a cohesive platform to work with companies to bring these technologies to market in a safe and efficacious manner,” Mann said.
All studies and therapies must meet Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. All therapies and data will be tracked and reviewed regularly for safety and ethical reasons.
If not perfect timing, LARTA launched at the perfect setting—at the HEALinc Global Summit, founded and organized by the first Bahamian Rhodes Scholar, Dr Desirée Cox. The Summit was birthed from the accelerated global access to regenerative medicines and what Dr. Cox saw was a need to close the gap between The Bahamas and the rest of the world.
At last year’s Summit, before the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act was brought to Parliament, panelists and guests discussed the Act. This year, over 30 speakers and hundreds of guests saw the legislature come to fruition, and the results of that—LARTA. According to Dr. Cox, the agency sets up The Bahamas to become a global leader in the industry.
Currently in its testing stage, the LARTA digital portal allows businesses to register and begin the regulatory process.
Need a press release?
We can get your story told. Call us at 242.698.1871
If not perfect timing, LARTA launched at the perfect setting—at the HEALinc Global Summit, founded and organized by the first Bahamian Rhodes Scholar, Dr Desirée Cox. The Summit was birthed from the accelerated global access to regenerative medicines and what Dr. Cox saw was a need to close the gap between The Bahamas and the rest of the world.
At last year’s Summit, before the Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act was brought to Parliament, panelists and guests discussed the Act. This year, over 30 speakers and hundreds of guests saw the legislature come to fruition, and the results of that—LARTA. According to Dr. Cox, the agency sets up The Bahamas to become a global leader in the industry.
Currently in its testing stage, the LARTA digital portal allows businesses to register and begin the regulatory process.
