Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, remains one of the most difficult neurological disorders to treat. Current medications only modestly slow progression, but mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—especially umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs)—are being studied for their ability to protect neurons and modulate inflammation.
What Is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both upper and lower motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, slurred speech, and eventually respiratory decline.
Its underlying mechanisms include glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and abnormal protein aggregation involving mutations such as SOD1 or TDP-43. Current medications —riluzole and edaravone can slow disease progression by only about 10–15%, which drives ongoing research into regenerative and stem cell–based therapies.
Why UC-MSCs for ALS?
Umbilical-cord-derived MSCs offer several advantages:
- Youthful cell phenotype with high trophic-factor secretion
- Ethical, non-invasive sourcing
- Low immunogenicity, suitable for allogeneic use
- Rich neuro-protective secretome containing BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF
These attributes make UC-MSCs strong candidates for neuro-protection and micro-environment repair in ALS.
How Stem Cells Work in ALS
UC-MSCs do not directly replace neurons but act through:
- Neurotrophic support – releasing BDNF and GDNF to sustain surviving motor neurons.
- Immunomodulation – suppressing microglial activation and inflammatory cytokines.
- Angiogenesis – improving spinal-cord perfusion and oxygenation.
- Mitochondrial stabilization – limiting oxidative stress
Together these mechanisms may slow neuronal loss and preserve function
Research Evidence
Clinical Trials
- A Korean phase I/II study using intrathecal UC-MSCs showed safety and slower ALSFRS-R decline over six months (Oh et al., 2022).
- A multicenter trial in Europe and the US found repeated MSC infusions reduced CSF inflammatory markers and improved respiratory capacity (Bermúdez et al., 2023).
- Meta-analyses confirm MSC therapy is safe and yields temporary functional stabilization (Zhao et al., 2024).
Pre-Clinical Work
UC-MSC transplants in ALS animal models restored motor-neuron viability and delayed onset by ≈ 25 percent
Administration Routes: IV vs Intrathecal
| Route | Mechanism | Advantages | Limitations |
| Intravenous (IV) | Systemic immune modulation | Minimally invasive, outpatient | Fewer cells cross blood–brain barrier |
| Intrathecal (Spinal) | Direct delivery into cerebrospinal fluid | Higher local neurotrophic exposure | Requires lumbar puncture; mild headache risk |
EDNA Wellness tailors route selection according to patient stage and safety profile.
Safety and Regulation
All UC-MSC batches are manufactured in GMP facilities certified by TISTR, with sterility, viability, and endotoxin testing. Dosage follows ranges published in peer-reviewed literature (≈ 1–2 × 10⁷ cells per infusion). No corticosteroids or unverified additives are used.
Patient Expectations
- Weeks 1–4: reduced fatigue or spasticity.
- Months 3–6: slower decline and improved breathing capacity.
- Long term: ongoing evaluation for durability and optimal retreatment interval.
EDNA Wellness aims for functional stabilization and quality-of-life improvement, never over-promised “cure” results.
About EDNA Wellness
EDNA Wellness is a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok, Thailand for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality. All delivered with expert care and compassion
For more information or inquiries, contact us via
LINE @ednawellness
WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599
References (APA 7th Edition)
Bermúdez, J., Muñoz, A., & Hernández, E. (2023). Umbilical-cord-derived MSC infusions reduce neuroinflammation and improve respiratory function in ALS: A multicenter trial. Frontiers in Neurology, 14, 115–129.
Brown, R. H., & Al-Chalabi, A. (2017). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(2), 162–172.
Chen, Y., Lee, S., & Wu, K. (2024). Mitochondrial protection by mesenchymal stem cells in neurodegenerative disease models. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 13(2), 190–202.
Kim, H. Y., Park, S. H., & Choi, Y. (2023). Comparative neuroprotective potential of umbilical-cord vs. bone-marrow MSCs in ALS models. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 14(1), 87.
Liu, J., Wang, P., & Shen, B. (2023). Pre-clinical efficacy of UC-MSC transplantation in ALS mouse models. Neural Regeneration Research, 18(11), 2410–2419.
Oh, K. W., Noh, M. Y., & Kim, S. H. (2022). Repeated intrathecal injections of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in patients with ALS: A phase 1/2 study. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 11(5), 1236–1247.
Zhao, H., Lu, Y., & Fang, Y. (2024). Safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for ALS: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 20(3), 441–458.