Mesenchymal stem cells explained.

Many conditions that once led to years of decline can now be managed. People are living longer, with more ways than ever to take charge of their health. Yet for chronic and autoimmune diseases, treatment often stops short of lasting relief. Too many patients remain in cycles of medication, flare-ups, and gradual decline - with little opportunity for full recovery.

Mesenchymal stem cells are being studied worldwide for their potential to change that picture. With their ability to calm inflammation, support repair, and guide the body’s own healing in ways conventional treatments cannot, mesenchymal stem cells are emerging as one of the most closely watched areas in regenerative medicine.

If you are considering joining a clinical trial or exploring stem cell–based therapy, this guide introduces the essentials: what mesenchymal stem cells are, how they work, and what current research is revealing.

Mesenchymal stem cells are a unique type of adult stem cell found throughout your body, primarily in bone marrow, fat tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. While many stem cells are like builders on an assembly line, mesenchymal stem cells act more like architects. They don’t just build - they act as conductors, orchestrating the body’s repair through a sophisticated network of medicinal signals.

Research suggests mesenchymal stem cells may:

1. Modulate inflammation – helping to calm excessive or harmful immune responses.

2. Support tissue repair – by releasing signals that encourage healing and regeneration.

3. Influence the immune system – promoting balance rather than overstimulation.

Together, these actions may contribute to healthier repair processes in the body and could play a role in reducing risk factors linked to disease.

Think of mesenchymal stem cells as messengers. Instead of fixing everything themselves, they signal other stem cells how to heal the body through three key functions:

• Paracrine effect (setting the blueprint): Mesenchymal stem cells release proteins and signals that guide the immune system to shift from breaking down tissue to rebuilding it.

• Immune modulation: They calm harmful inflammation, helping the immune system focus on repair instead of attacking healthy tissue.

• Cellular reprogramming: Even after mesenchymal stem cells are gone, immune cells they interact with can carry forward their anti-inflammatory signals, helping the repair process continue.

As part of the natural ageing process, the cells in our bodies gradually become less active. Over time, they don’t multiply as quickly and are less effective at calming inflammation or supporting repair.

Researchers believe this shift is linked to normal changes that happen inside cells as we get older. While it can start to become more noticeable after the age of 40, it’s simply one of the many ways our bodies change with time.

Because of this, many clinical researchers choose to use allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells - donated by younger, carefully screened individuals - rather than autologous cells taken from the patient itself.

We use allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells- meaning the cells come from carefully screened, healthy adult donors. These MSCs are produced at Cellcolabs’ GMP-certified manufacturing facility in Sweden, ensuring the highest quality and consistency.

Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells are the most extensively studied source, supported by decades of clinical research demonstrating strong safety and efficacy. Compared with cells from adipose tissue or umbilical cord, they carry a lower risk of clotting and have been associated with fewer reported side effects.

We use allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells - meaning the cells come from carefully screened, healthy adult donors. Mesenchymal stem cells do not require a genetic match between donor and recipient, as they are immunoprivileged. Using cells from younger donors also allows access to cells that are generally more potent than those naturally found in older individuals.

Your treatment visit begins with a health assessment, informed consent, and blood sampling (depending on the trial) with your study doctor. After this, you’ll receive your treatment, which, depending on the study, includes:

• Systemic infusion: 100 million cells delivered by slow intravenous infusion over 20–30 minutes.

• Local injection: 50 million cells injected directly into the affected musculoskeletal tissue.

After treatment, participants remain at the clinic for about an hour of observation, followed by a consultation with the study doctor.

Mesenchymal stem cells are being researched in a wide range of conditions, from cardiovascular disease to autoimmune disorders. While studies are ongoing, early findings suggest mesenchymal stem cells may play a role in repairing tissues, reducing low-grade inflammation, and supporting the immune system.

Mesenchymal stem cells are being explored for their broad potential — from supporting recovery after injury to helping prevent or treat conditions such as cardiovascular or neurological diseases. Research is ongoing to understand their full therapeutic and preventive possibilities.

From your first consultation to follow-up care, the process is designed to be clear and supportive. Our team guides you through each step — from preparation, to treatment, to ongoing check-ins — making sure you feel informed and confident throughout your journey.