Legally, you can’t get Stem Cells in Italy but there are a small number of clinics that do offer Stem Cell Treatments dotted around the country.
We’re not saying don’t get treatment in Italy, but let’s break down what’s actually legal, how to stay safe and how to spot the right clinics.
We’re aware there’s a ton of misinformation out there, so hopefully this helps!
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Is Stem Cell Therapy legal in Italy in 2025?
According to Italy’s legislative decree, outside of HSCT stem cell treatments for blood disorders, commercial stem cell treatments are not legal.
All other stem cell treatments are classified as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
Under the Legislative Decree they are treated as medicines. They cannot be offered commercially or in routine practice without marketing authorization from AIFA (or EMA).
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What about the Hospital Exemption for Stem Cell Therapy in Italy?
Hospitals May Use a Narrow Hospital Exemption but Clinics can’t.
Public hospitals or research hospitals may request an exemption for non repetitive use of an unapproved ATMP only if:
- There is no valid therapeutic alternative.
- The patient’s case involves urgency or emergency.
- The product is manufactured in a GMP-certified lab authorized by AIFA.
- The treatment protocol is approved by the hospital’s ethics committee.
- AIFA grants prior authorization for clinical use
Private clinics cannot access this exemption and cannot legally offer autologous or same day stem cell therapies, even if cells are from the same patient.
Who regulates Stem Cell Therapy in Italy?
In Italy, stem cell treatments are strictly regulated by AIFA, the Ministry of Health, the National Transplant Centre and hospital ethics committees
1.
AIFA Italian Medicines Agency
What it does:
- Approves stem cell clinical trials
- Authorizes one-off hospital use of unapproved stem cell therapies
- Licenses labs that manufacture stem cell products
- Monitors treatment safety and stops illegal or dangerous therapies
Think of it as:
Italy’s FDA; it makes sure stem cell treatments are safe and legal.
2.
Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute)
What it does:
- Creates national laws and health policies on stem cell use
- Approves official guidelines and hospital rules
- Coordinates with regions to accredit hospitals and transplant centers
Think of it as:
The top health authority that sets the rules everyone must follow.
3.
National Transplant Centre (Centro Nazionale Trapianti CNT)
What it does:
- Oversees stem cell transplants, like bone marrow and cord blood
- Regulates donation, collection, and storage of stem cells
- Works with hospitals and donor registries to ensure safety and quality
Think of it as:
The agency that manages all stem cell donations and transplants.
4.
Ethics Committees (Comitati Etici)
What they do:
- Review and approve any experimental or hospital-based stem cell treatment
- Make sure patients are protected and fully informed
- Approve treatment plans before anything reaches a patient
Think of them as:
The medical gatekeepers who protect patient rights and safety.Stamina Infusion: Stem Cell Treatment Scam in Italy
The Stamina case was a major medical scandal in Italy. The Guardian published an article on it in 2017.
Starting around 2011, a psychologist named Davide Vannoni claimed he could treat serious neurodegenerative diseases using a secret method that turned stem cells into neurons. These infusions were given at a public hospital in Brescia, even though there was no scientific evidence, no safety data and no official approval.
Italy’s medicine agency, AIFA, quickly shut it down after finding serious health and safety violations but legal battles allowed some treatments to continue temporarily.
In response, the government passed a special law in 2013 banning any new use of the so-called Stamina method and confirmed it was both dangerous and ineffective. Vannoni was later convicted of fraud, and the case became a turning point for Italy, leading to much stricter rules to protect patients from unregulated and misleading stem cell treatments.
Not sure which country’s right for you?
Browse verified stem cell clinics in Colombia, Japan, UAE and more that we’ve already personally vetted.
Browse Verified Stem Cell ClinicsWhere Can I Get Stem Cell Treatment in Italy?
Most clinics will be based in Rome and some in San Marino (technically we know it’s not Italy.)
If you are getting treatment in Italy, here’s how to stay safe:
- Make sure the clinic you’re going to is working with a lab that’s ISO or GMP Certified
- Confirm they can give you an analysis certificate so you can see the quality of cells you’re getting
- Make sure the medical team actually has experience in your specific condition.
It’s always going to be a risk when getting treatment & nothing is guaranteed. To help, we’ve put together a list of questions that you can use when speaking to clinics.
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
2025 Stem Cell Treatment Prices across Europe, outside of Italy
Stem Cell Prices in Europe range from €2,240 up to around €17,200+, depending on the country you’re visiting, treatment you’re getting and volume of cells being used.
We’re still gathering more data, so bear with us!
If you want to compare costs globally, take a look at our guide on Stem Cell Therapy costs around the world.
Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics Globally
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.
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Found a Clinic Elsewhere? We’ll check their licensing and track record for you, free of charge.
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 Globally
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics Globally. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare ClinicsWhere else can I get Stem Cell Therapy outside of Italy?
Other countries where you can get Stem Cell Treatments include Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan etc.
Now legal regulations & treatments you can get differ from country to country. We’ve highlighted a few countries below, but if you want to compare treatments in other countries, check out our guide on Best Countries for Stem Cell Treatments.
| Country | Treatment Type Available | Country Guide |
| Colombia | Cultured, Umbilical Cord Derived MSC Treatment | Colombia Guide |
| Indonesia | Cultured, Umbilical Cord Derived MSC Treatment | Indonesia Guide |
| Thailand | Cultured, Umbilical Cord Derived MSC Treatment | Thailand Guide |
| Japan | Cultured, Autologous MSC Treatment | Japan Guide |
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.
Alt Treatment is a free, independent platform that helps you understand stem cell therapy & decide if it’s right for you.
We break down complex information into clear, honest guidance. When you’re ready, we can connect you with verified clinics that meet your needs, in the right location & often with exclusive discounts.
There’s no charge to use our platform. No hidden fees. No pressure. Our main aim is to genuinely help you figure out if treatment is right & the best places to consider.
If you want to talk, fill out our form here & our personal concierge team will reach out.
Dal punto di vista legale, in Italia non è possibile sottoporsi a terapie con cellule staminali, ma esistono alcune cliniche private che offrono trattamenti di questo tipo in varie parti del Paese.
Altri Paesi in cui è possibile ricevere trattamenti con cellule staminali includono Colombia, Indonesia, Thailandia e Giappone, tra gli altri.
Dai un’occhiata alla nostra guida sui migliori Paesi per la terapia con cellule staminali per confrontare le diverse opzioni disponibili.
Most stem cell therapies work by releasing healing signals that reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and stimulate the body’s own repair processes. To learn more, see our full guide on How Stem Cell Treatments Work
For Knee issues like osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Therapy prices range from $3,500 to $15,000. To read more about the costs in different countries for knee issues, our article on Stem Cell Knee Treatments might be useful.
Or to see other costs for different conditions, check out our Areas of Treatment section.
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