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Stem Cell Therapy for MS

GMP-expanded Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells for relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis — IV and intrathecal protocols, fully characterized dosing, evidence-based approach at our Istanbul clinic.

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MSC Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy targets MS through three converging mechanisms: immunomodulation (calming the autoreactive immune response), neuroprotection (preserving surviving oligodendrocytes and axons), and signaling support for endogenous remyelination.

At TurkeyStemcell we use allogeneic Wharton's jelly umbilical cord MSCs — the youngest and most potent MSC source — expanded under cGMP conditions in an ISO-accredited Istanbul facility. Every dose is released only after a full panel of identity, viability, sterility, endotoxin, and mycoplasma testing. You receive the exact cell count and viability data of your batch.

Treatment combines IV infusion with intrathecal injection in selected patients, with optional MSC-derived exosome adjuncts. The full protocol is completed during a single 5–7 day visit to Istanbul, with 12 months of remote follow-up from our medical team.

How MSCs Work in MS

Four documented mechanisms — each supported by peer-reviewed published evidence in MS-specific MSC trials.

Immunomodulation

MSCs downregulate autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells driving MS demyelination, while expanding regulatory T-cells that restore immune tolerance.

Neuroprotection

Paracrine release of BDNF, NGF, and GDNF supports oligodendrocyte survival and protects axons from inflammatory damage.

Remyelination support

MSC-derived growth factors and exosomes signal endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cells to mature and remyelinate damaged axons.

Anti-inflammatory cytokines

Documented secretion of IL-10, TGF-β, and IDO reduces neuroinflammation in CNS lesions and the blood-brain interface.

Treatment Protocol in Istanbul

A standard MS treatment requires 5–7 days. Here's what a typical visit looks like.

DayActivity
Day 1Arrival in Istanbul, airport pickup, hotel check-in, evening medical intake.
Day 2Neurological assessment, labs, EDSS scoring, MRI review, treatment plan finalization.
Day 3First IV infusion of GMP-expanded Wharton's jelly MSCs (typically 100–200M cells).
Day 4Intrathecal MSC injection under fluoroscopic guidance (where indicated and consented).
Day 5Second IV infusion, MSC-derived exosome adjunct, post-procedure observation, departure briefing.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

  • Confirmed diagnosis of relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary-progressive (SPMS), or selected primary-progressive (PPMS) MS.
  • EDSS score between 1.5 and 7.5, with reasonable baseline function.
  • Stable or worsening despite current disease-modifying therapy (DMT), or seeking a regenerative adjunct.
  • Fit to travel and tolerate IV infusion and (where consented) intrathecal injection.

Active malignancy, severe infection, pregnancy, and recent use of certain DMTs (e.g. alemtuzumab within 12 months) require individual medical assessment. We do not promise cure or halting of MS progression — outcomes vary by subtype, disease duration, and baseline function.

Frequently Asked Questions

A growing body of peer-reviewed evidence — including multiple systematic reviews and Phase II trials — documents that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy can stabilize or improve EDSS scores, reduce relapse rate, and improve quality-of-life measures (fatigue, walking distance, spasticity) in relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive MS. MSC therapy is not a cure, but it is one of the most evidence-supported regenerative options currently available for MS.

We use allogeneic Wharton's jelly umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) — the most potent and well-characterized MSC source. Every dose is GMP-expanded and released only after viability ≥90%, ISCT surface marker confirmation, sterility, endotoxin, and mycoplasma testing. We do not use autologous HSCT (which is a separate, higher-risk hematopoietic protocol).

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), and selected primary-progressive (PPMS) patients are all assessable. Active disease without contraindication, EDSS 1.5–7.5, and absence of active malignancy are the main candidacy criteria. We review recent MRI and disease-modifying therapy history during consultation.

Treatment combines IV infusion (for systemic immunomodulation and crossing the impaired blood-brain barrier) with intrathecal injection in selected patients (for direct CNS delivery). Some protocols add intranasal MSC-derived exosomes. All routes are performed in our Istanbul clinic under sterile conditions with cardiology and neurology coverage.

Published outcomes show meaningful improvement or stabilization in fatigue, walking speed (T25FW), and EDSS in 50–70% of treated patients within 6–12 months. Most patients describe early improvements in energy and cognition within 4–8 weeks, with neurological gains continuing over 3–9 months. We do not promise cure, halting of progression, or any guaranteed outcome.

In most cases, yes. We coordinate with your treating neurologist to time MSC infusion appropriately around your DMT cycle. Some agents (e.g. alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab) require timing adjustments. This is always reviewed individually during consultation.

MS protocols at TurkeyStemcell range from $14,500 to $24,000 depending on number of IV sessions, inclusion of intrathecal injection, and exosome adjuncts. This includes the full medical protocol, hospital fees, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and medical concierge. Comparable US/EU protocols typically cost $60,000–$120,000.

A standard MS protocol requires 5–7 days in Istanbul. Patients fly home on day 5 or 6 with a follow-up call schedule and remote support from our medical team for 12 months post-treatment.

Discuss MS Treatment with a Specialist

Send us your recent MRI, EDSS, and DMT history. Our medical team will give you a free, honest assessment of candidacy and a personalized protocol plan.

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Or call directly: +90 534 856 92 92