Can Stem Cells Treat ALS in 2025

There’s a lot of research being done for Stem Cells treating ALS and there are clinics globally that offer treatment.

The guide below should give you the information you need to help you make your decision on whether it’s something you want to look into. 

How Stem Cells work for ALS

In ALS, the nerve cells that control movement gradually die, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Stem cell therapy aims to shield the remaining neurons rather than replace them.

The most studied type, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, release healing proteins called neurotrophic factors that reduce inflammation and help nerves survive longer. This is known as the paracrine effect, the cells send protective signals rather than becoming new neurons.

Early studies show biological improvements, but results differ between patients. For now, stem cells offer protection and support, not a cure.

Types of Stem Cells used to Treat ALS

Each works differently and is at a different stage of research:

ALS Stem Cell Treatment Cost

We’re working on getting you clearer breakdowns for each country.

Factors that affect price are delivery methods. Intrathecal injections are generally more expensive than IV treatments. Depending on your condition some clinics may combine treatments.

Dosage also plays a big factor, how many cells you’re actually getting will affect price.

We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s more of a breakdown by country.

To compare treatment costs across different countries, take a look at our guide to Stem Cell Treatment Costs Globally.

Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics for ALS

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.

Ask the Right Questions: Know what to ask before committing

Save on Treatment: Unlock exclusive discounts on vetted clinics and follow-up care.

We’re With You After Treatment: We check in post-treatment and help resolve any issues.

Travel & Visa Help: Need to travel for care? We can help with logistics, documents, and local tips.

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.

How Successful is Stem Cell Therapy for ALS

But we do have 2 trials now at late Phase III stages which have shown interesting results.

Across multiple human trials reviewed, stem cell therapy has demonstrated biological success. Cells appear to calm inflammation, release neuroprotective molecules and help surviving neurons function longer. However, translating those biological effects into lasting physical improvement has been far more difficult.

What the research shows about Stem Cells treating ALS

• Clinical improvement or stability was observed in roughly 30 to 40% of treated participants across small to mid size ALS trials.
  
• Duration of benefit typically ranged from 3 to 6 months before the disease continued to progress.
  
• Biological response: In most studies, treated patients showed increased neurotrophic factors and reduced inflammatory markers in the spinal fluid.
  
• Functional outcomes: Some patients maintained muscle strength or slower decline on ALS Functional Rating Scale scores, but large-scale confirmation is missing.
  
• Neural stem cell trials have proven safe but not yet effective at slowing ALS.
  
• Induced pluripotent stem cell studies remain in the earliest human testing phase.
  
• No trial to date has shown a statistically significant increase in overall survival or consistent improvement across all ALS patients.
  
• Safety: Reported side effects are generally mild, such as transient headache or back pain after spinal injection.

To read the research for yourself, take a look at our ALS Research Article

Are Any ALS Stem Cell Treatments Approved?

According to ALS Today, it’s been used to treat over 400 patients in South Korea.

The next closest treatment to be approved is BrainStorm’s NurOwn. The FDA gave them clearance for a Phase IIIb trial in 2025. They’ve also been granted Orphan Designation by both the EMA & FDA. (read about it in this press release)

Risks of Getting Stem Cells for ALS

While most ALS stem cell trials report a strong safety record, real risks remain, especially outside controlled research settings i.e clinics where you’re getting treatment.

Risks of getting ALS Stem Cell Treatments from commercial clinics

• Many commercial clinics claim to treat ALS with stem cells that haven’t been tested or standardized.
  
• These clinics often use unverified cell sources, lack proper dosing controls and may exaggerate success rates.
  
• Infections, false labeling and loss of motor function after unsafe injections have been reported internationally.
  
• Financial Risk: A big risk is paying high amounts for treatment & nothing actually working.
  
• The biggest risk we’ve seen is going to clinics that don’t follow best practice and don’t have the correct medical team. For experimental treatments like Stem Cells, it’s extremely important to choose the best clinics possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

Clinical Risks Seen in ALS Trials

• Procedure-Related Complications:
  • Cell Quality and Consistency:
  • Some ALS programs may not meet GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Poor cell quality increases risks of contamination or abnormal cell behavior
  • Inconsistent cell potency is one reason trial outcomes vary and regulators haven’t granted full approval.
• Disease Progression Timing:
  • ALS often progresses faster than the treatment can take effect. Delayed treatment may offer little measurable benefit, even if the cells are biologically active.
• Unknown Long Term Effects:
  • No study yet has followed ALS patients for more than 5–7 years post-treatment.

To read more about side effects of stem cell treatments, check our article on Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects.

Where Can I Get Stem Cell Therapy for ALS

However, South Korea is the only country that has an approved Stem Cell Treatment Product and even that has conditional approval, not full approval.

So whilst you can get Stem Cell Treatments for ALS in a lot of countries, remember it’s still experimental.

To compare regulations in different countries, take a look at our guide to Best Countries for Stem Cell Therapy.

Should I get Stem Cell Therapy for ALS

There’s no current cure for ALS, so if you’ve exhausted other options Stem Cells could be something you consider.

Generally the data shows treatments are safe in trials. If you go to a clinic that’s following best practise then it should be safe but effectiveness does vary from patient to patient.

We’re not here to tell you exactly what to do, but hopefully the data above give you a better idea if it’s worth it.

If you still need support on where to go or how to stay safe, we’re here to help!