Stem Cell Therapy for MS: Hope for Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Stem cell therapy offers new hope for multiple sclerosis by resetting the immune system, reducing relapses, and slowing disease progression, helping patients preserve function and quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease where the immune system attacks the nervous system, leading to symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and mobility loss.
This matters because MS affects nearly 3 million people worldwide, and while current treatments reduce relapses, many patients still face progression and disability. Stem cell therapy is emerging as a potential way to reset the immune system and repair damage.
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective layer that surrounds nerve fibers. This damage disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Over time, nerve fibers themselves may deteriorate, leading to permanent disability in some patients. Symptoms vary widely: fatigue, vision problems, muscle weakness, numbness, difficulty with balance, and cognitive changes are common.
MS progresses differently in each person. Some experience relapsing-remitting patterns, where symptoms flare and then improve. Others develop progressive forms, with symptoms that steadily worsen. While there is no cure, treatments aim to reduce relapses, slow disease progression, and manage symptoms.
Why are stem cells being studied for multiple sclerosis?
Stem cells are being studied for multiple sclerosis (MS) because they have the ability to repair or replace damaged cells in the nervous system. Unlike traditional MS treatments, which focus on controlling inflammation or reducing relapses, stem cells may help restore function by protecting nerve tissue and encouraging regeneration.
Researchers see stem cells as a way to address the underlying damage caused by the immune system’s attack on myelin. Certain types of stem cells can calm abnormal immune responses while others may promote repair of the myelin sheath. This dual action makes them promising for both halting disease activity and repairing injury.
Another reason for interest is that many current therapies lose effectiveness over time or cannot fully prevent disability progression. Stem cell therapies may offer new options for patients who don’t respond well to standard treatments. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine how effective and safe these approaches are in different stages and types of MS.
What is stem cell therapy for MS?
Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) is an experimental approach that uses stem cells to protect or repair the central nervous system. The goal is to reduce inflammation, stop immune system attacks on myelin, and restore function by repairing damaged nerve tissue.
Different strategies exist within stem cell therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) aims to reset the immune system by replacing faulty immune cells with new ones. Other approaches investigate mesenchymal stem cells and neural stem cells, which may help with tissue protection and regeneration.
Unlike disease-modifying therapies that only manage relapses or slow disease activity, stem cell therapy targets the root process of immune system malfunction and nerve damage. It is being studied in clinical trials but is not yet established as a standard treatment. Researchers continue to evaluate how safe and effective these therapies are for different groups of MS patients.
How does cell therapy for MS work?
Cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) works by using stem cells to influence two key processes: immune system regulation and tissue repair.
The first mechanism focuses on the immune system. In MS, immune cells attack myelin, the protective sheath around nerves. Certain stem cells, especially hematopoietic stem cells, can “reset” the immune system. This reduces or eliminates the faulty immune response that drives inflammation and myelin damage.
The second mechanism aims at repair. Some stem cells, such as mesenchymal or neural stem cells, release growth factors that protect nerve cells and support remyelination. This means they may help rebuild damaged myelin and improve communication between nerve cells.
Together, these effects make stem cell therapy different from conventional MS treatments: instead of only slowing disease progression, it offers the possibility of restoring lost function by targeting both the cause and the damage.
What types of stem cells are used in treatment of multiple sclerosis?
Several types of stem cells are being studied for multiple sclerosis (MS), each with a distinct role in therapy and repair.
- Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs): These form the basis of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCs can rebuild the immune system after it is suppressed, helping to stop the autoimmune attack on myelin.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Found in bone marrow, fat tissue, and umbilical cord blood, MSCs release factors that reduce inflammation and support myelin repair. They are less invasive to obtain and are being widely studied in clinical trials.
- Neural stem cells (NSCs): These cells can develop into nerve and glial cells. Their potential lies in directly replacing damaged cells in the brain and spinal cord, though this approach remains largely experimental.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): These are adult cells reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells. They offer a renewable source of cells for research and may eventually provide patient-specific therapies, though safety questions remain.
Each type has unique advantages and limitations. Ongoing research is exploring which approach, or combination may offer the greatest benefit for MS patients.
How does stem cell therapy differ from other therapies for MS?
Stem cell therapy differs from other therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) because it aims to change the course of the disease rather than only manage it.
Most disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) focus on reducing relapses, lowering inflammation, and slowing disability progression. They work by suppressing or modulating the immune system but cannot repair damage already done to myelin or nerve fibers.
In contrast, stem cell therapy takes a dual approach. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) seeks to “reset” the immune system, removing cells that drive the autoimmune attack. Other forms, like mesenchymal stem cells, release protective factors and may stimulate remyelination, offering the potential to repair damaged nerve tissue.
Another difference lies in durability. Standard MS therapies often require continuous treatment. Stem cell therapy, if proven effective, could provide longer-lasting benefits after a single course. However, it is still under study and carries risks that are not seen with routine medications.
Who can get stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis?
Not all people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are suitable candidates for stem cell therapy. Eligibility depends on the type and stage of the disease, response to prior treatments, and overall health.
Most clinical trials focus on patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who continue to have frequent relapses or worsening disability despite standard disease-modifying therapies. These patients may benefit most because their immune system activity is still high, and halting it early could prevent further damage.
In some cases, stem cell therapy is also studied in aggressive or rapidly progressing MS where other treatments have failed. Progressive forms of MS, such as primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS), are more challenging since inflammation is less active, making immune “reset” approaches less effective.
Doctors also assess a patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves chemotherapy to suppress the immune system, which carries risks and requires patients to be in good overall health.
Best candidates for cell therapy
- Patients with aggressive relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): Frequent relapses, new MRI lesions, or rapid disability progression despite standard therapies.
- People who have failed multiple disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Those whose disease continues to worsen even with the strongest available treatments.
- Individuals with early to mid-stage MS: Patients not yet severely disabled, since stem cell therapy is less likely to reverse long-standing damage.
- Younger patients with fewer comorbidities: They typically tolerate the intensive chemotherapy required for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) better.
- Patients with highly inflammatory disease: Active immune-driven damage is more responsive to immune system “reset” approaches.
What does the MS Society say about stem cell therapy for MS?
The MS Society recognizes stem cell therapy, particularly hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as a promising treatment for some people with multiple sclerosis. However, it emphasizes that this therapy is not suitable for everyone and should only be offered in specialized centers with experience in MS care.
According to the Society, the best evidence supports HSCT for people with highly active relapsing-remitting MS who continue to experience relapses despite strong disease-modifying therapies. For progressive forms of MS, the current data are less convincing, and more research is needed.
The MS Society also highlights the importance of clinical trials. It encourages patients to consider enrolling in controlled studies rather than seeking unregulated treatment abroad, where safety and effectiveness may not be guaranteed.
In its guidance, the Society stresses that HSCT carries serious risks, including infection and complications from chemotherapy. Patients must weigh potential benefits against these risks in consultation with experienced neurologists.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA) recognizes autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) as a promising option for relapsing MS in those who still experience disease activity despite high-efficacy therapies.
Multiple Sclerosis Society (United Kingdom) details key treatments such as HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) and mesenchymal stem cell therapy, explaining their goals and methods.
What are the different stem cell therapies for MS?
Several types of stem cell therapies are being studied for multiple sclerosis (MS), each designed to target the disease in a different way. The most researched approaches include:
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT):
This is the best-studied therapy. It uses hematopoietic stem cells, usually from the patient’s own bone marrow or blood. After high-dose chemotherapy to suppress the faulty immune system, the patient receives the stem cells to rebuild a “reset” immune system that no longer attacks myelin. - Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy:
MSC therapy uses cells from bone marrow, fat tissue, or umbilical cord blood. These cells release protective factors that reduce inflammation and may promote repair of damaged myelin. Unlike HSCT, MSC therapy does not require chemotherapy. - Neural stem cell (NSC) therapy:
NSCs are being studied for their potential to replace or regenerate nerve cells and supporting glial cells. While promising, this approach is still in early research stages. - Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) therapy:
iPSCs are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells. They offer a renewable cell source that could be tailored to each patient, but safety and practical application remain under investigation.
Each therapy type has unique benefits and challenges. HSCT currently has the strongest clinical evidence, while other approaches are still experimental but may offer new treatment options in the future.
What is stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis?
Stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis (MS), most often called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is a procedure designed to “reset” the immune system. It aims to stop the autoimmune attack that damages myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers.
The process begins with collecting a patient’s own blood-forming stem cells, usually from the bone marrow or bloodstream. Next, the patient receives high-dose chemotherapy to destroy the malfunctioning immune cells. Finally, the stored stem cells are infused back into the body, where they rebuild the immune system.
This treatment is not a cure for MS, but it can halt disease activity in certain patients, especially those with aggressive relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Evidence shows it may significantly reduce relapses and slow disability progression in people who have not responded to conventional therapies.
Because HSCT carries risks from chemotherapy (including infection, infertility, and in rare cases, organ complications) it is performed only in specialized centers with strict eligibility criteria. Research continues to refine who benefits most and how to maximize safety.
What are the benefits of using stem cells in MS therapy?
Stem cell therapy offers potential benefits for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) that go beyond what standard treatments can provide.
- Resetting the immune system:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can stop the immune system from attacking myelin by rebuilding it with new, healthy cells. This reduces relapses and inflammation. - Slowing or halting disease progression:
For patients with highly active relapsing MS, stem cell therapy may prevent further disability by stopping new lesions from forming. Some studies show stability or improvement lasting for years after treatment. - Repairing damaged tissue:
Mesenchymal and neural stem cells can release protective factors that support myelin repair. This opens the possibility of restoring nerve function, something conventional therapies cannot achieve. - Reducing reliance on long-term medication:
Unlike disease-modifying therapies, which must be taken continuously, some stem cell approaches may provide lasting benefits after a single course of treatment. - Improving quality of life:
When effective, stem cell therapy may lessen symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and mobility problems, helping patients maintain independence.
How effective is stem cell therapy for MS in reducing symptoms?
Stem cell therapy has shown encouraging results for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially when standard drugs no longer work well.
Clinical trials give clear signals of benefit:
- A major international trial (MIST, 2019) found that patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) had fewer relapses and improved disability scores compared to those on disease-modifying drugs.
- A U.S. study (HALT-MS, 2017) reported that many patients remained stable or improved for years after treatment, with fewer new brain lesions on MRI.
- A 2025 review from European and transplant societies showed that around 80% of patients had no evidence of disease activity two years after HSCT, and many remained stable even at five years.
How symptoms improve:
- Relapses become less frequent and sometimes stop altogether.
- Disability scores improve for some patients, meaning gains in walking, strength, or daily activity.
- Quality of life measures often rise, reflecting better energy and fewer flare-related problems.
Progressive MS and other stem cell types:
- In progressive MS, results are less consistent. HSCT may slow decline but rarely reverses it.
- Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) trials show that these treatments are safe, but benefits for symptoms like walking or bladder control are still uncertain. More research is ongoing.
What this means for patients:
For people with highly active relapsing MS, HSCT can reduce relapses, improve symptoms, and help maintain independence. For progressive MS, benefits are more limited, though new cell therapies are under study.
Can stem cell treatments for MS slow disease progression?
Stem cell treatments, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), can slow or even halt disease progression in certain people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Evidence from clinical trials:
- In the MIST trial (2019), patients treated with HSCT had far fewer relapses and slower disability progression compared to those taking high-efficacy MS drugs. Some patients even improved in mobility and daily function.
- A long-term study (HALT-MS, 2017) found that most patients remained stable for years after HSCT, with fewer new brain lesions and reduced disability scores.
- Data from European and transplant society registries show that about 70–80% of patients remain free of disease activity for at least two years after HSCT, and many stay stable for up to five years.
How progression is slowed:
- HSCT “resets” the immune system, reducing attacks on the nervous system.
- By lowering inflammation, it prevents new lesions from forming in the brain and spinal cord.
- This protection can translate into less disability over time, especially when treatment is given early, before permanent damage occurs.
Limits of current knowledge:
- HSCT works best in relapsing-remitting MS with active inflammation.
- For progressive MS, results are weaker: the therapy may slow worsening but rarely restores lost function.
- Other stem cell types, like mesenchymal stem cells, are still experimental and have not yet shown clear long-term benefits for slowing progression.
What are the risks and limitations of stem cell treatment for MS?
Stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) is promising, but it comes with important risks and clear limitations. These depend on the type of therapy being used.
Risks of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT):
- Chemotherapy side effects: The immune system must be wiped out before receiving the stem cells. This can cause nausea, hair loss, infertility, and fatigue.
- Infections: With immunity suppressed, patients face a higher risk of serious infections in the weeks after treatment.
- Organ complications: Though rare, the heart, lungs, or liver can be affected by chemotherapy.
- Treatment-related death: In modern centers, the risk is very low (about 0.3%), but it remains a serious concern.
Risks of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy:
- MSCs are generally well tolerated in trials.
- The main concerns are uncertain long-term effects and variability in cell quality, especially outside regulated studies.
Limitations of stem cell therapy in MS:
- Not a cure: HSCT and other approaches may halt disease activity for years, but they do not permanently eliminate MS.
- Best for relapsing MS: Results are strongest in patients with relapsing-remitting MS and ongoing inflammation. Progressive forms respond less reliably.
- Accessibility: HSCT is only available in specialized centers, often as part of clinical trials, and is expensive.
- Ongoing research: For therapies like MSCs or neural stem cells, benefits are still unproven. More large-scale trials are needed before they can be widely offered.
In short, stem cell therapy can offer major benefits for some people with MS, but it is not suitable for everyone, and the risks must be weighed carefully against potential gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get stem cell treatment for MS?
Patients can access stem cell treatment for MS only at specialized centers with expertise in transplantation and advanced MS care. GenCell offers therapy under medical supervision, providing regulated options for eligible patients.
How much is stem cell therapy for MS?
The cost of stem cell therapy for MS varies widely by country, clinic, and treatment type. In regulated centers, prices often range from $40,000 to $70,000 for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Costs may be lower in some international clinics.
Stem cell therapy protocols are determined based on the patient’s age, weight, and disease progression or current condition. The final price is confirmed once the treatment protocol is defined.
What is the success rate of stem cell transplant for MS patients?
Stem cell transplant success in MS depends on patient selection and disease type. For highly active relapsing MS, 70–80% of patients remain relapse-free and stable for at least 3–5 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Outcomes are less predictable in progressive MS, where benefits are more limited.
How long does a stem cell last for MS?
The benefits of stem cell therapy for MS can last for years, especially with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Studies show many patients remain stable for 3–5 years or longer without relapses or new lesions. However, results vary, and therapy does not permanently cure multiple sclerosis.