Regenerative Medicine in Multiple Sclerosis: Can Stem Cells Truly Change the Course of the Disease?

Why is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) so difficult to treat?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains one of the most complex autoimmune diseases of the nervous system, which quickly leads to disability and death if left untreated. MS causes persistent neuroinflammation in the body, oligodendrocyte death, axonal degeneration, and progressive brain atrophy.

For a long time, a single approach dominated the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) – stopping the immune system from destroying myelin (the protective sheath of nerve fibers). However, traditional highly active therapy is not always able to influence autoimmune processes and cannot restore what has been lost. It cannot repair already damaged areas of the brain, causing patients with progressive forms of the disease to continue losing their ability to work.

This is why in recent years, interest in stem cells, especially those derived from umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, placenta, and adipose tissue, has significantly increased. Their advantage lies in their ability to influence the immune system, suppress inflammation, stimulate natural tissue repair processes, and create a favorable environment for remyelination.

Why do stem cells work in multiple sclerosis?

Contrary to a popular myth, administered stem cells do not transform directly into new neurons. Their action is much more subtle and effective. They work as an “intelligent biofactory”:

• Homing effect: After administration, stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), have the ability to migrate directly to the sites of damage and chronic inflammation in the body.
• Neuroprotection and regeneration (paracrine effect): The cells secrete specific signaling molecules (exosomes, cytokines, growth factors BDNF and GDNF). They prompt the body’s own dormant stem cells to differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, which rebuild a new myelin layer on exposed nerves.
• Immune reprogramming: Stem cells also have an immunomodulatory effect. They alter the behavior of aggressive immune cells, reduce the activity of inflammatory agents, and stimulate the formation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which act as natural “peacekeepers” of the immune system.

Analysis of cell sources and successful clinical studies

Modern regenerative medicine uses several sources of cellular material. Each has its own biological characteristics, advantages, and a proven clinical base.

Naturally, the most valuable are stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, and placenta. These cells are not only the most active but also the safest. They have not encountered most viruses, the consequences of “adult” life, or age-related mutations.

Another popular category is mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from the patient’s own fat or bone marrow, or from a healthy, young relative.

Umbilical Cord MSCs (UC-MSCs) – The most popular stem cells for multiple sclerosis treatment

These cells are isolated from umbilical cord tissue (specifically, from the so-called Wharton’s Jelly). Since this material is collected immediately after the birth of a healthy child, the cells are biologically the youngest, most active, and safest.

Why these stem cells work: They have colossal division potential and the strongest immunomodulatory effect. They do not cause rejection by the recipient’s body, which allows them to be used for any patient without genetic matching.

Studies:

• In a clinical study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 20 MS patients were administered 20 million umbilical cord MSCs daily for 7 days. The results showed a significant improvement in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, improved fine motor skills and cognitive functions, as well as stabilization or reduction of lesions on MRI during a year of observation, and an overall improvement in health and quality of life (read more in the PubMed Central report).
• A review of key studies shows that umbilical cord MSC therapy has a good safety profile, is capable of fully restoring defects in regulatory T-cells (Tregs) in MS patients, and reduces the level of aggressive inflammation (link to the study).

Placental MSCs (PLMSCs) – Energetic immune modulators

The placenta is another rich and ethically clean source of mesenchymal stromal cells. The action of placental MSCs is similar to that of umbilical cord MSCs and can serve as an alternative to cells derived from the umbilical cord.

Why they work: Placental MSCs express a high number of markers (for example, CD106 and PD-L1/2) that effectively block the proliferation of aggressive T-lymphocytes and stimulate tissue healing.

Studies:

One of the most interesting works of 2025 was a pilot clinical study using placental MSCs in patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. The main results:

• The therapy was well tolerated;
• No serious complications were registered;
• A portion of patients showed stabilization of their neurological status.

Although the study included only five patients, it became an important step in researching placental MSCs specifically for progressive forms of MS (read the study).

A safety study of an American product based on placental cells (PDA-001) also confirmed good tolerability and stabilization of neurological status in patients with active forms of MS (link to PubMed).

Adipose-Derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) – The patient’s own resources

These cells are isolated from the patient’s own subcutaneous adipose tissue using a safe mini-liposuction procedure.

• Features: Adipose tissue also contains mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), just like bone marrow. Since these are the patient’s own (autologous) cells, the risk of any immune reactions, rejection, or infection is practically non-existent.
• Limitations: However, the activity of fat-derived MSCs directly depends on the patient’s age and health status. The presence of an autoimmune factor also significantly reduces the efficacy of treatment with autologous MSCs.

Studies:

A phase I/IIa clinical trial confirmed the safety and first signs of efficacy of using fresh autologous adipose-derived MSCs in patients with secondary-progressive MS (read more on PMC).

Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) – Systemic resetting

Umbilical cord blood contains a unique cocktail of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells, young immune cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and regulatory factors.

How cord blood works: It helps reset the immune balance, reducing systemic neuroinflammation and creating a favorable background for the restoration of damaged nerves. It enhances the action of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in combined protocols.

What treatment for multiple sclerosis is available at QR-CLINIC?

Thanks to the capabilities of the “Hemafund” biotechnology complex, QR-CLINIC is able to apply modern clinical therapy protocols using various types of stem cells.

Most often, we use combined or sequential therapy using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from the umbilical cord or placenta, enriched with cord blood cells or exosomes. For some patients, it is possible to use their own stem cells from adipose tissue or bone marrow.

After a detailed study of the patient’s medical history and an assessment of their current condition, the doctor selects an individual treatment protocol. Stem cells are introduced into the bloodstream; additional administration intramuscularly or intrathecally (into the spinal canal) is also possible. Our patient’s story

Conclusions for patients and physicians

Regenerative stem cell therapy is turning a page in the history of multiple sclerosis treatment. Clinical studies confirm that the use of umbilical cord, placental, and adipose MSCs is safe and capable of halting the relentless progression of the disease, improving patients’ quality of life, and restoring lost neurological functions.

Today, medicine is moving toward a combined approach. The most promising method is a combination of classic immunosuppressive therapy (to quickly extinguish acute relapses) and a subsequent course of cell therapy (to trigger direct myelin regeneration and protect the brain).

For patients of our clinic, this is a chance not just to slow down the disease, but to give their nervous system the biological resource to recover and live an active life.

Would you like to find out which cell therapy protocol is right for your specific case? Sign up for an online consultation with a QR-CLINIC neurologist. We will analyze your medical history in detail and create a personalized regenerative treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions about multiple sclerosis treatment with stem cells

Can multiple sclerosis be completely cured with stem cells?

Currently, in global medical practice, multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured once and for all. However, clinical studies and the experience of QR-CLINIC patients show that significant results can be achieved in stabilizing the condition:

• Halt or significantly slow down the progression of the disease for a period of time.
• Trigger the natural recovery process of damaged nerve sheaths.
• Partially restore lost functions (improve coordination, sensitivity, vision, reduce spasticity and chronic fatigue) and return quality of life.
• Reduce the intake of aggressive drugs, hormones, and painkillers.

How safe is stem cell treatment? Is there a risk of developing oncology?

We use the safest and most effective stem cells that have undergone minimal laboratory manipulation — cord blood cells, and MSCs from the umbilical cord, placenta, and the patient’s own fat. Our specialists thoroughly assess the condition of each patient, possible risks, and individual contraindications to cell therapy.

Our close collaboration with the high-tech biotechnology complex ‘Hemafund’ ensures that all cellular products undergo multi-stage laboratory control for purity, viability, and sterility.

How exactly are stem cells administered in multiple sclerosis?

The method of administration is determined by the physician depending on the type of stem cells, as well as on the MRI scan and symptoms:

• Intravenously (drip): Cells enter the systemic circulation and, thanks to the “homing” effect, independently migrate to the sites of inflammation in the body, reducing overall autoimmune activity.
• Intrathecally (injection into the spinal canal): Cells are introduced directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is the most effective way to deliver the maximum concentration of MSCs directly to the affected areas of the brain and spinal cord, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
• Intramuscularly: Can be used as an additional method to stimulate the restoration of local conductivity and improve muscle tone.

How quickly are the results visible, and how long does the effect last?

Patients often notice the first improvements (reduced fatigue, improved psycho-emotional state, increased sensitivity) within the first weeks after cell administration due to their powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

The processes of myelin sheath restoration (remyelination) are more gradual and take from 3 to 6 months. The results of the therapy are dynamically evaluated by the doctor using follow-up MRIs and EDSS scale assessments. The achieved stabilization effect can last from one to several years, after which, if necessary, the course of cell therapy can be repeated.