Cost of Stem Cell Treatment in 2022
How much does stem cell therapy cost?
Stem cell therapy can costs can range anywhere from $5000-$50,000 USD. Treatment cost will vary dramatically depending on a variety of different factors. The cost of platelet rich therapy (PRP), which can be used separately or in conjunction with stem cell therapy, is typically $500-700, but may be as high as $2,000 at some locations.
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How much does stem cell treatment cost?
Stem cell therapy cost can be influenced by:- The type of stem cells administered
- Where the treatment is being performed
- If the cells have been culturally expanded
- If the cells are ethically sourced, viable & regulated
- Where the laboratory is located (for cell expansion)
The area and issue being treated should generally influence the cost of the
associated treatment because different cell types, cell counts and treatment
protocols will be needed. For example, an effective stem cell therapy cost
for MS (multiple sclerosis) will be much different than the cost of a site
injection for localized pain.
Stem cell therapy cost can range anywhere between USD 5,000 - USD 50,000. Patients must do their research and ask as many questions as they can before financially committing to treatment. Make sure to know how many cells you are getting, where those cells come from, if they are viable, is the clinic/lab is regulated, and ask for as detailed info to be provided as possible. When considering a potentially life-changing treatment, prospective patients should be weighing these other important factors, in addition to cost, when determining the best location for experimental procedures.
Stem cell therapy cost can range anywhere between USD 5,000 - USD 50,000. Patients must do their research and ask as many questions as they can before financially committing to treatment. Make sure to know how many cells you are getting, where those cells come from, if they are viable, is the clinic/lab is regulated, and ask for as detailed info to be provided as possible. When considering a potentially life-changing treatment, prospective patients should be weighing these other important factors, in addition to cost, when determining the best location for experimental procedures.
The Cost of Stem Cell Therapy in the U.S.
In the United States, treatment protocols vary depending on the clinic and the treating physician.- A one-time treatment that utilizes blood drawn from a patient can cost as little as $1,500.
- In contrast, protocols that utilize a bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue extraction can run as much as $15,000 to $30,000.
In some cases, hospitalization may be required, which raises costs. The location of a stem cell facility can factor heavily into the cost of the procedure.
The type of stem cells being administered
The type of stem cells being administered plays a huge role in stem cell therapy costs. There are a few different types of cells, these can be mainly broken down into a few categories:- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
- Birth tissues (umbilical cord blood or amniotic fluid)
- Adipose (fat) tissue or bone marrow
- Allogenic culture-expanded stem cell procedure (umbilical cord tissue)
These treatments can range from $4000 - $8,000 in the United States. Adipose (fat) and Bone Marrow stem cell treatments can be effective for certain orthopedic conditions, but studies have shown that they are not a viable treatment option for chronic widespread inflammation or autoimmune conditions due to a variety of factors including lower cell count and potency. This is what makes expanded cord tissue-derived stem cells so revolutionary.
Allogenic stem cell therapy consists of cells extracted from cord tissue, or “Wharton’s Jelly”. Umbilical cord tissue can have some of the most powerful, primal mesenchymal stem cells that can be found. Studies have shown that stem cells, at the point of birth are at their peak of potency, unaffected by the aging process or disease. However the administration of culturally expanded cells in the United States is largely not authorized according to FDA sections 351 and 361. Stem cell therapy cost for culturally expanded cells ranges from USD 15,000 - USD 45,000.
So why is stem cell therapy so expensive?
The short answer to that question is that the stem cell field is still highly specialized and complicated. For example, stem cell treatment for leukemia will require a hemato-oncologist; which is a sub-specialty within the specialty area of hematology.
Further, the capital and operating expenditure to source, expand stem cells
and maintain high quality standards within a stem cell lab are high.
However, due to its demand, novelty and popularity; there are many
un-ethical providers that are taking advantage of the demand. Many countries
have taken steps to regulate the stem cell industry in order to protect the
consumers.
Other than hematological stem cells, most of the stem cell treatments have
not been adopted by the mainstream and insurance companies. Stem cells cannot be patented and thus are different from new drugs or new chemical entities that can be patented. Therefore, not many big players are willing to invest into doing big randomized controlled trials with stem cells.
Additionally,
the field is further restricted by older laws in the United States. That
means that there are very few sources for stem cells, labs that are equipped
to process stem cells, and reputable clinics that provide the treatments,
most of which are located outside the US. Just as with an expensive food or
item of clothing, the problem is with availability and production cost.
To fully understand the cost, you first have to look at the treatment preparation process. Stem cells are first acquired by companies that pay hospitals for donated cord tissue (depending on the countries), or by doctors that perform fat tissue or bone marrow extractions. The cells are then sent to separate companies which run laboratories that specialize in stem cell expansion. These labs usually have very qualified and specialized staff members and are under the strict regulations of the FDA. The cells are then shipped in cryo-storage overnight around the world to the stem cell clinic. These clinics are staffed with doctors, nurses, and support staff that all play a part in the patient’s experience. This includes everything from marketing, to logistics and the actual medical care. In every stage of this process, there are heavy costs associated with time and labor, before the patient is ever given treatment.
To fully understand the cost, you first have to look at the treatment preparation process. Stem cells are first acquired by companies that pay hospitals for donated cord tissue (depending on the countries), or by doctors that perform fat tissue or bone marrow extractions. The cells are then sent to separate companies which run laboratories that specialize in stem cell expansion. These labs usually have very qualified and specialized staff members and are under the strict regulations of the FDA. The cells are then shipped in cryo-storage overnight around the world to the stem cell clinic. These clinics are staffed with doctors, nurses, and support staff that all play a part in the patient’s experience. This includes everything from marketing, to logistics and the actual medical care. In every stage of this process, there are heavy costs associated with time and labor, before the patient is ever given treatment.
Does stem cell therapy cost vary in different countries?
Yes it does, and that is highly dependent on the lab where the cells are acquired from, the total count of stem cells administered and the regulations the governing body places on the clinic. For example, stem cell therapy cost in Mexico will differ from stem cell therapy costs in Panama and Grand Cayman. For example, DVC Stem in Grand Cayman uses culturally expanded cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells sourced from their partner lab Vitro Biopharma in the USA. This means that DVC Stem uses cells that are highly regulated by both the US and Cayman Islands governments. This can include but is not limited to, maintaining certifications, complying with regular government inspections, and having independently reviewed treatment protocols. These restrictions can raise the production and administration cost of treatment to the patient, but also ensures patient safety and the quality standards of the cell product.Who is performing the procedure?
Stem cell therapy cost is also linked to whoever performs the treatment. There are a few different types of medical providers that may have the ability to inject the cells.- Nurse Practitioners & Physicians Assistants
- Physician Specialists (or a Medical Director)
Are the cells ethically sourced, viable and regulated?
Stem cell therapy cost can also be associated with the quality of the cells being administered. How the cells are sourced can play a key role in stem cell therapy cost. For example regulations in Mexico and South America are much more lenient than those in the United States, allowing for cells to be acquired at a cheaper cost. However, there is a tradeoff, with less regulation it becomes tough to ensure the safety and viability of the cells. The American Association of Tissue Banks was created for this exact purpose, to regulate donated tissues and heavily screen them for infection and disease.
How much do stem cell injections cost?
These treatments can range from USD 4000 - USD 8,000 in the United States. Adipose (fat) and Bone Marrow stem cell treatments can be effective for certain orthopaedic conditions, but studies have shown that they are not a viable treatment option for chronic widespread inflammation or autoimmune conditions due to a variety of factors including lower cell count and potency. This is what makes expanded cord tissue-derived stem cells so revolutionary.Allogenic stem cell therapy consists of cells extracted from cord tissue, or “Wharton’s Jelly”. Umbilical cord tissue can have some of the most powerful, primal mesenchymal stem cells that can be found. Studies have shown that stem cells, at the point of birth are at their peak of potency, unaffected by the aging process or disease. However the administration of culturally expanded cells in the United States is largely not authorized according to FDA sections 351 and 361. Stem cell therapy cost for culturally expanded cells ranges from USD 15,000 - USD 45,000.
Legal Environment
Due to the nature of the laws in place, there are no forms of government assistance or incentives for any of these companies, unlike large drug companies. The cost of healthcare in the US is astronomical, but that is still with the large support structure in place for these healthcare companies. With no such support, the stem cell industry is left to provide treatment to patients, which incur most of the cost. Without coverage by most major insurance providers, the only option for patients is either to pay for treatment outright, fundraise for their treatment, or use other forms of financing to fund themselves.In many ways,
stem cell therapies are not priced differently than many major drugs and
treatments, but patients do not always see the cost when working through their
insurance. Stem cell therapy then becomes a personal choice. It is often
sought after by patients that have had little success with conventional
therapies, and wish to try an alternative. Stem cell medicine is still an
emerging field and offers hope to many people to overcome their conditions.
Unfortunately, until stem cell medicine is more accepted into the mainstream and the laws are changed to encourage the field to develop, it will remain a highly specialized niche in healthcare. For this reason, treatment costs are not likely to change anytime soon. The best an inquiring patient can do is find a reputable clinic that provides treatments using the highest quality stem cells available to ensure they receive the best possible results.
Unfortunately, until stem cell medicine is more accepted into the mainstream and the laws are changed to encourage the field to develop, it will remain a highly specialized niche in healthcare. For this reason, treatment costs are not likely to change anytime soon. The best an inquiring patient can do is find a reputable clinic that provides treatments using the highest quality stem cells available to ensure they receive the best possible results.
FAQs
What is the average cost of stem cell therapy?
The average cost of stem cell therapy ranges from under $5,000 to over $25,000, depending the type and sources of the stem cells, the patient’s medical condition, and the number of treatments required.
The average cost of stem cell therapy ranges from under $5,000 to over $25,000, depending the type and sources of the stem cells, the patient’s medical condition, and the number of treatments required.
Is stem cell therapy covered by health insurance?
No, other than the use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to treat cancer, most stem cell therapies are not covered by health insurance. They are considered to be experimental.
Medicare also does not cover stem cell therapy in the United States or internationally.
According to Medicare "Due to the experimental nature of most stem cell therapies, coverage through Medicare insurance for treatment with stem cell therapy is limited."
Is stem cell therapy safe?
The safety of a stem cell therapy can vary dramatically, depending on the cell type, route of administration, and patient condition. The FDA has repeatedly warned that patients may be vulnerable to stem cell treatments that are illegal and potentially harmful.
Does stem cell therapy really work?
Stem cells have been used since 1956, when the first successful bone marrow transplantation was completed. Many clinical trials are being conducted to explore the effectiveness of stem cell therapies, with varying results.
How long do stem cell injections last?
How long stem cell injections last can vary, but some patients may receive relief for five years or longer. Cade Hildreth, BioInformant’s Founder, had stem cell injections in 2014 that are still providing relief.
What can stem cell therapy treat?
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used in the treatment of cancer since the 1950’s. Evidence suggests stem cell therapy may be effective for treating several types of orthopedic conditions. Its use in other applications is being studied in clinical trials, but is largely unconfirmed.
Can stem cells help arthritis?
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that some types of stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), may be effective in the treatment of arthritis.
Can stem cells regrow hair?
In a study published June 2017, Italian researchers documented a 29% increase in hair density after stem cell therapy. Replicel is also developing an autologous cell therapy to treat male pattern baldness.
Is stem cell therapy painful?
Some types of stem cell therapy are painful, while others are not. Collecting stem cells from bone marrow can be a painful procedure, as can some types of stem cell injections. Intravenous (IV) administration of stem cells is usually painless.
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