Toward equitable regenerative medicine: a health equity research framework for emerging regenerative treatments.

Abstract

Regenerative medicine continues to advance rapidly, yet research examining health disparities within this field remains notably limited. The distinctive characteristics of regenerative therapies - complex manufacturing, specialized delivery, and personalized approaches - present unique challenges for equitable health care access beyond traditional disparities. This gap is concerning as many conditions targeted by regenerative treatments disproportionately affect underserved populations. Our analysis of the literature identifies knowledge gaps and demonstrates the critical need for a multi-level approach to health equity research in regenerative medicine. We propose a research framework involving three key steps. First: systematic investigation of field-specific access barriers through established health disparity frameworks, focusing on factors uniquely relevant to regenerative therapies across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal levels. Second: development and rigorous evaluation of targeted, multi-level interventions addressing these barriers. Third: implementation of evidence-based strategies using equity-focused frameworks to translate findings into practice, ensuring equity considerations are embedded throughout development and delivery processes. By prioritizing health equity research while many regenerative treatments are still developing, the field has an unprecedented opportunity to create inclusive access pathways and ensure its potentially revolutionary therapies benefits all populations.