Does stem cell therapy help with ALS?
ALS remains one of the most challenging conditions in regenerative medicine. The goal of current stem cell protocols is neuroprotection — slowing the rate of motor neuron loss — not reversing the disease. Phase 1 and 2 trials using MSCs (primarily intrathecal or IV administration) have established safety and shown some signals of slowed progression in a subset of patients. No trial has demonstrated reversal of ALS symptoms or significantly extended survival in a large randomized study. Patients and families considering stem cell therapy for ALS should have honest conversations with their neurologist about realistic expectations.
What types of stem cells are used for ALS?
The most studied approaches use MSCs — either from bone marrow (autologous) or umbilical cord tissue (allogeneic) — delivered intrathecally (into the spinal fluid) or intravenously. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are being studied in academic settings. BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics' NurOwn (autologous MSC-NTF cells) was the most advanced US clinical program; it did not meet its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial but showed benefit in a subgroup of patients with less advanced disease.
