Yes, Stem Cell Therapy is proving to be a treatment for many people with multiple sclerosis that either halts the progression of the disease or improves disability.
For decades, treating MS has largely focused on managing symptoms.
But some Stem Cell treatments have the potential to reset the immune system. That’s the promise of stem cell therapy and it’s changing the conversation around what’s possible for people living with MS.
But not all stem cell therapies are the same. Some are intensive procedures designed to reboot the immune system, while others use different cells to calm inflammation and protect the nerves.
We’ve reviewed the latest clinical studies to give you the clear answers you need & show you which clinics might actually be able to help.
We hope it helps!
How Stem Cell Therapy works for Multiple Sclerosis
Stem cell therapy helps treat multiple sclerosis by either completely resetting the faulty immune system or calm inflammation and protect the nervous system from further attack.
The most intensive approach, AHSCT, aims to build a brand new immune system, while other therapies using cells like MSCs calm inflammation and help the body repair itself.
We break down the different Stem Cell treatments below.
If you want to read more about how Stem Cell Therapy works as a whole, our guide on How Stem Cell Treatments work might be useful.
Can Stem Cell Therapy treat Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)
Yes, stem cell therapy can be a very effective treatment for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. In countries like the UK, the NHS will offer stem cell treatments for some people with RRMS.
Relapsing MS is a form of the disease defined by a pattern of attacks or relapses, where symptoms flare up, followed by periods of recovery.
How It Differs from Progressive MS
- The pattern of the disease is different. Relapsing MS has clear “up and down” periods of attacks and recovery, while Progressive MS is defined by a steady, gradual worsening of disability over time.
- Recovery periods are absent or less clear. In Progressive MS, the distinct periods of recovery seen in the relapsing form do not happen and disability continues to accumulate.
- How it begins can be different. Progressive MS can either start with a steady decline from the very first symptom or can develop later on after years of having the relapsing form of the disease.
Treatment Paths for Relapsing MS
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT)
(Approved in some countries)
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatments delivered via IV
(Still Experimental)
Hematopoietic stem cell treatment for RRMS
- The Goal: The overall goal is to reset the immune system
- Collection: First, the patient’s own blood forming stem cells are collected from their blood.
- Conditioning: Next, the patient receives chemotherapy to eliminate their faulty immune system.
- Transplantation: Finally, their own stored stem cells are infused back into the body to grow a new, healthy immune system.
- Gaining traction globally: In the UK for example, if patients with RRMS meet certain criteria, they might be eligible for this treatment. More details are on MS Society’s press release.
- A consensus statement published on Nature in 2025 by leading experts across Europe also recommended AHSCT for treatment on selected patients with MS too.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
- Typically involves a series of IV infusions of mesenchymal stem cells given over several months. These cells are sourced from either a patient’s own fat tissue or from donated umbilical cords.
- Clinical trials show this approach is safe and well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. For patients with RRMS, it has led to significant improvements in both physical and mental health quality of life and a reduction in disability scores.
- This therapy is believed to work by calming inflammation and rebalancing the immune response over time, rather than completely resetting it like more intensive procedures.
- It’s still classed as experimental, it doesn’t have the same approval rate of AHSCT, but you can get this treatment in some clinics.
- HopeBioscience’s recent Phase II trial using MSC Cells just received a FDA RMAT. (You can read about it on their press release in in BusinessWire)
If you’re looking at Stem Cell Clinics abroad, the biggest risk your taking is going to a clinic following poor standards. That’s why we take our vetting process so seriously. Read more about our process & why we do what we do below
Can Stem Cell Therapy Treat Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Yes, clinical research shows that certain stem cell therapies can be effective for progressive multiple sclerosis, but it’s not as widely approved as AHSCT is for RRMS.
Stem Cell Therapy offers the potential to stop the steady worsening of disability and even improve some functions like walking.
How Progressive MS is Defined
Progressive MS is the overall category for any form of the disease that steadily worsens over time.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) is one of the main types within that category. SPMS is specifically diagnosed when a person who initially had the up-and-down pattern of relapsing-remitting MS later begins to experience a steady, gradual worsening of their disability.
Main Types of Therapy Being Explored
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Mesenchymal IV Infusions
Intrathecal (Spinal) Injections of MSC or MSC Derived Cells
Direct surgical transplantation of neural cells (most experimental)
Multiple Sclerosis can be frustrating and overwhelming to treat. We’re not here to hype miracle cures. Our goal is to help you decide for yourself if it’s worth exploring, risks involved & treatment prices around the world.
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Mesenchymal IV Stem Cell Therapy for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
- The treatment process in early trials has involved an IV infusion of mesenchymal stem cells, or multiple infusions.
- Both autologous & allogenic cells are used
- Early trials focusing on Progressive multiple sclerosis & SPMS have found this approach to be safe and well-tolerated, with no severe complications reported.
- But there haven’t been many later stage trials looking at effectiveness.
- This therapy is believed to work by calming inflammation and rebalancing the immune system. Evidence from the studies shows a decrease in harmful immune cells and an increase in anti-inflammatory signals in the body after treatment.
- This approach is still highly experimental for progressive MS and is not as established as AHSCT.
Spinal Injections of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
- This treatment process involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells or specialized cells derived from them directly into the spinal fluid. A procedure known as an intrathecal injection.
- Studies focusing on progressive MS show this approach is safe, with the most common side effect being a temporary headache.
- The results on effectiveness have been mixed.
- This therapy is believed to work by releasing helpful substances directly into the central nervous system. This is thought to create a nerve-protective environment and calm local inflammation, rather than working by replacing damaged nerve cells.
- Intrathecal delivery is still a highly experimental approach for progressive MS. Most stem cell clinics will only offer IV MSC treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Treatment Costs in 2025
Globally, Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell treatments costs range from $9,500 to $22,500. These costs are for MSC Stem cell treatment costs only.
To compare costs globally, our guide on Average Stem Cell Treatment cost globally might be useful.
We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s a more detailed breakdown below:
| Country | Cost Range ($ USD) | Country Cost Guide |
| Ukraine | $9,500 | Ukraine Country Cost Guide |
| Mexico | $13,500 to $15,000 | Mexico Country Cost Guide |
| India | $10,000 | India Cost Guide |
| Japan | $14,000 to $22,500 | Japan Cost Guide |
Depending on the country you’re in, you may be eligible for RRMS AHSCT treatment through your healthcare system. But if you’re going private, AHSCT treatment will be a lot more expensive.
Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics for Multiple Sclerosis
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
Why Use Alt Treatment?
We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
Compare with Confidence: Get clinic matches based on your condition, location, and budget.
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No Strings Attached: Even if you choose a clinic we don’t partner with, we’re still here to help you make the best decision.
Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for MS
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics globally who treat Multiple Sclerosis. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare Clinics GloballyCan I get Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis in London?
Yes, you can get AHSCT Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis in London & Manchester, either through the NHS or privately. You can’t get Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy though.
If you’ve been rejected by the NHS, private clinics will consider you if:
- Officially diagnosed by a Neurologist
- In most cases, for Relapsing Remitting MS, you might need to show traditional drugs haven’t been effective.
- For Progressive MS, the clinic’s medical team will have to look at you specifically.
- But remember, it will be extremely expensive, much more than the costs mentioned above.
Best Countries for Stem Cell Multiple Sclerosis Treatments
For MSC Stem Cell Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, countries like Colombia, Japan, Indonesia are all options you can consider.
But remember, regulations and quality standards vary across each country.
We’re not going to tell you the “best country” to visit, but we have a guide outlining legal regulations in each country.
2025 Research Updates for Stem Cell Therapy treating Multiple Sclerosis
- The research says AHSCT is a highly effective ‘one-off’ treatment that can stop the disease in its tracks.
- Large, long-term studies show this “immune reboot” therapy is most effective in this group.
- It successfully halts disability progression for a high percentage of patients.
- For active progressive MS, research says AHSCT works where other drugs have failed, stopping the steady worsening of disability.
- Studies show that after AHSCT, patients’ disability levels remained stable over many years.
- A significant number of patients even saw their disability improve.
- However, the risks are much higher for patients who already have a high level of disability, making careful patient selection essential.
- The latest research says that a series of MSC infusions is a safe and effective treatment.
- It can improve both quality of life and disability.
- For progressive MS, research says MSC treatments are safe and show early promise for specific symptoms, but are still highly experimental.
- While major trials haven’t yet proven it can stop the disease overall, smaller studies show improvement in functions like walking ability and bladder control.
- The research on neural cells is the newest and most experimental approach.
- It is considered safe and may have the potential to halt disease progression even in advanced cases.
- A Phase 1 trial found that after surgical transplantation, 75% of patients with advanced progressive MS did not get any worse over the next two years.
To view the latest research in more detail, check out our article on MS Stem Cell Research.
Looking into Stem Cell clinics for Multiple Sclerosis?
Browse verified stem cell clinics in Colombia, Japan and more that we’ve already personally vetted.
Browse Verified Stem Cell ClinicsDoes insurance cover stem cell therapy for MS?
In most cases, insurance does not cover stem cell therapy for MS because it is considered experimental.
Risks and Challenges of Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
The main risks of stem cell therapy for MS include long term side effects from intensive procedures like AHSCT in some cases. Major challenges for MSC therapies include high costs & uncertain success
- Treatments typically exceed $10,000 per session for MSC treatments.
- Insurance rarely covers experimental therapies like stem cell treatment for MS.
- If you’re getting AHSCT treatments privately in somewhere like the UK, it can be a lot more.
- AHSCT carries the most serious risks, including a 1.4% risk of death which is highest in patients with advanced disability.
- Long-term, a small number of patients have developed new cancers (1.6%) or other autoimmune diseases (7.9%) after the procedure.
- Therapies using MSCs are much safer and studies consistently show they are well-tolerated.
- The most common side effects are mild and temporary issues like headaches and fatigue.
- The results can be mixed and improvement is not a certainty.
- Not everyone might be a candidate for these treatments.
- The best results for AHSCT, for instance, are in patients with active inflammation who have not yet reached a high level of disability.
So, can Stem Cells help with Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes, the latest research & global recommendations shows stem cell therapy can help with multiple sclerosis.
Treatments like AHSCT proven to halt disease progression and newer therapies using MSCs showing they can safely improve disability and quality of life.
The research shows there are two main paths: an intensive immune reset with AHSCT that offers the best chance to stop the disease. There are serious risks here, but the adverse events were extremely low.
Safer therapies using MSCs that can improve symptoms and quality of life, though they are still more experimental.
If you’re looking at treatment, you can get MSC treatment in certain countries which will be cheaper but they’re less proven. If you are looking at getting AHSCT treatment, this will be much more expensive, but is more widely recognised.
If you’re deciding which country is best for you, or want to talk about clinics we’ve already vetted, fill out our form below. Our team will guide you with clear, honest answers.
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The most notable new MS treatments in 2024 include:
Stem Cell Therapy: Emerging as a breakthrough for patients with severe MS, particularly Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants (HSCT), which reset the immune system and halt disease progression. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) show promise for repairing nerve damage and improving mobility, offering hope for long-term recovery.
Siponimod (Mayzent): A drug designed for relapsing MS that reduces the frequency of attacks, helping patients manage symptoms more effectively and maintain their quality of life.
Briumvi (ublituximab): A monoclonal antibody therapy aimed at slowing MS progression by targeting and reducing inflammation, giving patients a chance to delay disease advancement.
The best stem cell treatment for MS is Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, particularly for patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell therapy is gaining traction, though it is still in the experimental stage.
Stem cells can’t fully cure autoimmune diseases yet, but they may help by reducing inflammation and repairing damaged tissue.
Some treatments, like HSCT for MS or MSCs for lupus and Crohn’s are showing good signs of promise.
If you want to see the most recent research on these treatments, check out our research section.
We’ve collated the most recent research in one place for you.
Common side effects of getting Stem Cells are fever and local pain/swelling at the injection site. We go into all of the side effects in more detail in our Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects Article
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