Treatment 01
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Autologous and umbilical-derived MSCs processed in a GMP cleanroom, dosed to your biomarkers.
How it works
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in bone marrow, fat tissue and umbilical cord tissue. Most of their effect is thought to come from the signals they release ("paracrine" signalling) rather than turning into new tissue themselves.
These signals can calm overactive inflammation, influence immune cells and support the body's own repair processes. That's why MSCs are studied in conditions as different as joint wear, inflammatory bowel disease and age-related frailty.
Each batch we use is produced in a GMP cleanroom and tested for cell count, viability and sterility before release — you can see real certificates on our Patient Stories page.
How to prepare
- •Send recent medical records, imaging (for joint cases) and a list of all medications and supplements.
- •Complete the pre-treatment blood panel we request (typically blood count, metabolic panel, inflammation markers and infection screening).
- •Stop NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and high-dose aspirin 7–10 days before, unless your own doctor says otherwise — they can blunt the inflammatory signalling cells rely on. Never stop prescribed blood thinners without your physician.
- •Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 72 hours before and after treatment.
- •Hydrate well the day before, eat a light meal on the morning of treatment, and arrange someone to accompany you if you're having joint injections.
On the day
- •Check-in, vital signs and a final physician review.
- •IV infusions take about 60–90 minutes in our lounge; image-guided joint injections take 30–60 minutes with local anaesthetic.
- •You'll be monitored for at least 30–60 minutes afterwards before leaving.
Recovery & follow-up
- •Most people return to light activity the next day.
- •After joint injections: limit heavy loading or impact for 2–4 weeks, then follow the rehab plan we provide.
- •Changes, when they occur, are usually gradual over 1–6 months. We schedule follow-up check-ins and repeat labs to track them objectively.
Possible side effects
More common, usually mild
- •Mild fatigue, low-grade fever or chills in the first 24–48 hours after infusion
- •Headache or mild nausea
- •Soreness, swelling or stiffness at the injection site for a few days (joint injections)
- •Bruising at the IV site
Rare but important
- •Allergic or infusion reaction (we monitor and are equipped to treat it)
- •Infection at the injection site
- •Blood clots — risk is assessed beforehand, especially in people with clotting history
- •Long-term risks are still being studied; published safety reviews have not found a signal for tumour formation with MSCs, but follow-up data remain limited
Who may not be a candidate
- •Active cancer or cancer treatment within the last few years (case-by-case with your oncologist)
- •Active infection
- •Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- •Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or unstable heart disease
Your physician makes the final decision after reviewing your history. See our safety & regulation page.
Published research
A selection of studies. Research results describe groups of patients and don't guarantee individual outcomes.
Safety of cell therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells (SafeCell): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lalu MM et al., PLoS One, 2012
Across 36 clinical studies, MSC infusion was associated with transient fever but no significant link to infection, tumours or death.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of safety
Thompson M et al., EClinicalMedicine, 2020
An updated review of 55 randomised trials confirmed a favourable short-term safety profile, with fever being the main associated event.
Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate aging frailty: a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Tompkins BA et al., J Gerontol A, 2017
Older adults with frailty showed improvements in walking distance and inflammatory markers compared with placebo.
Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a proof-of-concept clinical trial
Jo CH et al., Stem Cells, 2014
Knee function and pain improved, with MRI showing cartilage defect changes in the high-dose group.
Expanded allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Cx601) for complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease (ADMIRE-CD)
Panés J et al., The Lancet, 2016
A phase 3 trial where more patients achieved fistula remission with cell therapy than with placebo.
Conditions where it may be considered
Questions about mesenchymal stem cells?
A physician will review your history and tell you honestly whether it suits you.
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