Frequently Asked Questions

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), commonly referred to just as stem cells, are multipotent cells that have the ability to become more than one cell type. While they have this ability to change into other cell types, it’s their ability to secrete bioactive molecules that make them so amazing at healing our bodies. MSCs release proteins called growth factors, trophic factors, cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes.

MSCs work by:

• Controlling inflammation
• Modulating the immune system
• Stimulating regeneration
• Reduce scarring

Exosomes are nanoparticle proteins secreted from stem cells (many cells secrete exosomes) in order to facilitate the healing capabilities of the surrounding cells. Exosomes induce progenitor stem cells to differentiate, so when injected locally or given intravenously they will deliver genetic material that tell surrounding cells to regenerate.

So simply put stem cells are a type of cell that produce medicine to heal other damaged cells and keep the environment around them balanced. They manage the bodies innate regenerative potential.

According to Arnold Caplan, PhD, considered to be the father of stem cell therapy since he discovered and named them Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). MSCs should more appropriately be named “Medicinal Signaling Cells” due to their most important function being the totality of secreted bioactive molecules.

“MSCs are multifactorial site-specific sensors with genetically wired molecular responses. MSCs see a signal and they respond in a controlled way. The MSC story will change the way medicine is practiced. Management of the patient’s innate regenerative resources will be the new treatment.” – Arnold Caplan

Stem cells and exosomes:

We use umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) from umbilical cord tissue (sometimes referred to as Wharton’s Jelly (WJ)). the gelatinous layer found within the umbilical cord, which is obtained from healthy, consenting donors who are under the age of 28 and undergoing a scheduled c-section. The FDA strictly regulates the process of how these tissues are acquired, tested, processed and stored to ensure the highest level of patient safety. The exosomes are derived from MSCs from the WJ. All processing is done in a clinical-grade laboratory by highly trained professionals.

All recovery, processing, labeling and distribution is in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Good Tissue Practices (cGTP), established by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The product is prepared aseptically and supplied sterile. We have never had an incident of contamination or severe adverse events.

Our stem cells are for the intended use of licensed physicians and exculsive to patients of Innate Healthcare Institute, and are not for sale or to be distributed commercially.

The UC-MSCs come from donated umbilical cords that meet eligibility determined for for donors of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products, as defined in US FDA requirements for Human Cellular and Tissue based Products (HCT/P), 21 CFR 1271, State regulations and guidelines of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and AABB. This medicine is used at the discretion of a licensed health care person for a therapeutic purpose deemed necessary by that licensed healthcare professional.

The use of UC-MSCs, exosomes, and any related biological products are NOT approved by the FDA for the intended purpose to heal or cure a disease or condition. For FDA approved drugs or surgeries intended to medically help you please consult your physician for options.

Platelet-Rich Plasma:Platelet-Rich Plasma, PRP for short, is a regenerative procedure for joint pain, nerve pain, and can be used aesthetically. The procedure involves drawing typically 10-30n milliliters of the patients blood (About 1-2 tablespoons). Anticoagulant is added to the blood and it is spun in a centrifuge at a specific speed and time. During this process the red blood cells are separated from the the plasma portion of the whole blood and the platelets are concentrated. These concentrated platelets are then used for the treatment due to their innate healing abilities. Platelets provide the essential growth factors FGF, PDGF, TGF-ß, EGF, VEGF, and IGF that are involved in stem cell migration, differentiation and proliferation. The plasma is essential for cell survival as it contains nutrients, vitamins, hormones, electrolytes and proteins. Proteins are key molecules for the coagulation process and the formation of the fibrin polymer that will serve as a scaffold for cell migration, differentiation and proliferation.

While PRP can have a dozen or more growth factors the umbilical cord tissue/WJ can contain over 80 growth factors as well as an extensive amount of cytokines, mRNA, exosomes, secretomes and additional biologic elements including stem cells.

Another downside to these other treatments is the invasiveness. Both are procedures where the bone marrow or fat has to be removed from your body in surgical procedures, processed, and then injected back into you. This can be more painful, timely, and costly. The side effects of bruising and pain of these procedures can last for days to weeks.

The conditions that can be treated with regenerative medicine is growing rapidly. The physician determines what conditions can safely be treated, and what kind or how much regenerative medicine would be clinically best for each patient. As with all other areas of medicine, we do not guarantee or claim that regenerative medicine/stem cell therapy will cure any disease. Our specific treatment protocols have NOT been evaluated by the FDA. Our treatments our guided by years of research and clinical experience to determine what will provide the best outcomes. Here’s some of the most common successful conditions we’ve treated:

• All types of arthritis (Osteoarthritis has had great success)
  • Soft Tissue Conditions: Tendonitis, Bursitis, Ligament Injury (e.g. Achilles, Knee, Rotator Cuff)
  • Joint pain (Low Back pain/Knee/Shoulder/Elbow/Hand/Wrist/Ankle/Neck/)
  • Low Back Pain: Bulging or herniated discs, sciatica
• Autoimmune conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, IBD (Crohn’s disease/Ulcerative Colitis), Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autism
• Cardiovascular health/Heart Failure
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• COPD/Respiratory disorders
• Diabetes
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Seizures
• Sexual dysfunction for men and women (Erectile dysfunction, low arousal, orgasm disorder)

• Injected into a joint/muscle/nerve/tendon/ligament
• Injected into the hair line and face for aesthetics. Or applied topically
• Intravenously (Given into a vein, typically in the patients arm)
• Intranasal (Delivered as a mist through the nose to better reach the brain)
• Hand held nebulizer (Breathed in to treat the lungs)

At this time these procedures are not likely covered under any insurance plans. But that shouldn’t stop you from receiving treatment! We have financing in-office so you can start getting healed.

We can give you a ‘super bill’ which you can submit your insurance to see if they’ll reimburse you.

At Innate Healthcare Institute, stem cell therapy procedures can range from $4,000 $20,000+ depending on what needs to be treated. This will be discussed with you in full at the time of your complimentary patient consultation.

Our treatments are also fully comprehensive, including acupuncture, herbal and naturals medicines to help facilitate your healing. These are included in your plan at no additional cost.

Advanced Care is our recommendation for help paying medical expenses. Click here to learn about their offerings.