How stem cell therapy may help with multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an immune system that has turned on myelin, the insulating layer wrapped around nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. Where the insulation is damaged, signals slow or fail, and the effects show up as fatigue, numbness, weakness and unsteadiness. Disease-modifying therapy works to reduce relapses; it does not address the inflammation already present in the nervous system.
- Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to moderate the immune activity directed at myelin.
- They release signalling factors that are studied for their effect on the environment around damaged nerve fibres.
- Treatment is delivered intravenously, so the cells reach the nervous system through the circulation.
- Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
- The protocol is written for your MS, your MRI and your goals.
Concerns to discuss with your care team
Deep fatigue
A tiredness that arrives early, worsens in heat, and is not the same as being sleepy.
Numbness and tingling
Pins and needles, burning or a dead patch in a limb or across the trunk.
Weakness and unsteadiness
Legs that tire quickly, a foot that drags, a balance you no longer trust.
Planning around the unpredictable
Good days and bad days, and a life arranged around not knowing which is coming.
Who may be a candidate
Adults with diagnosed multiple sclerosis whose symptoms persist under disease-modifying therapy and conventional care may be evaluated. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history, your current treatment, your MRI and your fitness to travel, never by a form.
Treatment is not offered where there is active infection, certain cancers, advanced disease that makes travel unsafe, or other conditions identified in review. Where we do not believe treatment is appropriate, we will say so.
What to expect
1. Evaluation
A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records, neurology notes and recent MRI.
2. Treatment plan
Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.
3. Treatment in San José
Travel and stay arranged for you. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.
4. Follow-up care
Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home.
Investment
Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.
The Cellebration approach
- Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
- Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
- An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
- Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.