iStemCell
Clear, honest education on stem cell therapy — and the doctors who provide it
Educational information on stem cells in regenerative medicine: what they are, which uses are FDA-approved and which aren't, the different product types (MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived, umbilical cord, exosomes), and how to find a licensed provider near you. Educational only — not medical advice.
About iStemCell
Educational information on stem cells in regenerative medicine: what they are, which uses are FDA-approved and which aren't, the different product types (MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived, umbilical cord, exosomes), and how to find a licensed provider near you. Educational only — not medical advice.
Part of Jeff Cline's R0cketShip proprietary network. Visit istemcell.org to learn more or connect with doctors.
iStemCell — frequently asked questions
Is iStemCell a medical provider?+
No. iStemCell is an educational website and directory. We explain stem cells in plain English and help you find independent licensed providers. Only a licensed clinician who has evaluated you can say whether any treatment is appropriate.
Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?+
It depends entirely on the use. Blood-forming stem cell transplants from cord blood or bone marrow are FDA-approved and used at hospitals to treat certain cancers and blood disorders. Stem cell products marketed for joints, back pain, sports injuries, skin or hair are generally NOT FDA-approved, and the FDA has issued public warnings about unapproved stem cell clinics and products. Ask any provider exactly what product they use and its FDA status.
Can stem cell therapy cure or regrow damaged tissue?+
No reputable source can promise that. Outside of FDA-approved blood-forming stem cell transplants, claims that injections 'cure' arthritis, 'regrow' cartilage, reverse aging or regrow hair are not supported by FDA approval. Be skeptical of any provider who guarantees results.
What's the difference between MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived cells, umbilical cord products and exosomes?+
These are different product types used across regenerative medicine marketing, and they are processed and regulated differently. Many are not FDA-approved for the conditions they're marketed to treat and may contain few or no living cells after processing. Ask the provider what the product actually is, what the manufacturer says it contains, and its FDA status.
Should I travel abroad for stem cell treatment?+
Be cautious. Clinics outside the U.S. may not follow the same safety, sourcing or regulatory standards, and problems are harder to address from a distance. Ask the same questions you'd ask any provider, and get everything about the product, protocol and cost in writing before you travel.
Is a clinical trial a better option?+
For many unapproved uses, an FDA-monitored clinical trial (listed at ClinicalTrials.gov) is a more scientifically grounded way to access experimental stem cell treatment than paying a clinic directly, and participants are typically followed closely for safety.
How do providers receive referrals?+
Licensed providers can list for free, or reserve an exclusive referral territory — a ZIP code, a state, or the whole country — so that patients in that area who ask for help are connected to them.
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