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Stem Cell Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Stem Cells Transplant Institute offers personalized mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy programs for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) designed to support neurological health, muscle function, and improve quality of life through regenerative medicine approaches.

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Reviewed: 21 Jul 2026

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons — the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. As these neurons deteriorate, communication between the brain and muscles gradually weakens, leading to increasing difficulty with movement, speech, swallowing, and eventually breathing.

Research suggests that disruptions in the blood–brain and blood–spinal cord barriers may allow inflammatory molecules and other harmful factors to enter the central nervous system, contributing to further neuronal damage.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), approximately 300,000 people worldwide are affected by ALS, with most cases developing between ages 40 and 70.

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Why Seek Stem Cell Therapy for ALS in Costa Rica?

Stem Cells Transplant Institute offers MSC-based regenerative protocols for ALS patients in San José, Costa Rica, within a certified medical facility operating under structured clinical protocols and direct physician supervision.

Costa Rica has become a destination for ALS patients from the United States, Canada, and Europe because travel from North America is under six hours, the costs are a fraction of what private programs in the U.S. would involve, and our team designs protocols that account for where each patient is in their progression, including respiratory and mobility limitations.

Before scheduling therapy, all ALS patients undergo a detailed medical screening and case review conducted by the institute’s physicians. Respiratory function, nutritional status, and current disease progression are all part of the pre-treatment evaluation. The protocol is designed around what is appropriate and safe for each patient at that specific moment.

Common Characteristics

  • Gradual muscle weakness, stiffness, or loss of fine motor control
  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing or managing saliva
  • Muscle cramps, twitching (fasciculations), or impaired coordination
  • Fatigue and increasing difficulty with breathing
  • Emotional changes, such as mood shifts, and in some cases mild cognitive or behavioral changes
Evidence-Based Treatment

Why Stem Cell Therapy for ALS?

Stem cell therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) aims to support the biological processes involved in ALS by helping create a more balanced and protective environment around motor neurons. Emerging research suggests that MSCs may help reduce inflammation, modulate immune activity, and provide neurotrophic support that could contribute to healthier neuronal function.
These cells produce a wide range of growth factors and signaling molecules that may help decrease oxidative stress and support motor neuron survival. Their effects are thought to be indirect, acting through modulation of the surrounding microenvironment rather than through replacement of lost neurons.

While MSC therapy cannot reverse ALS, some early studies suggest it may help slow certain aspects of symptom progression or improve overall stability in some patients.

Evidence remains preliminary and ongoing controlled clinical trials are needed to determine the consistency and magnitude of these effects.

1

Neuroprotection

MSCs secrete neurotrophic factors (e.g., GDNF, BDNF, VEGF) that may support the survival of motor neurons and help delay their degeneration.
(Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2022)

2

Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

MSC therapy may help decrease inflammatory cytokines and oxidative molecules that contribute to motor neuron injury, creating a more balanced cellular environment.
(Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2023)

3

Immune System Regulation

By modulating immune activity, MSCs may help reduce immune-related damage within the central nervous system and support a more stable neuroinflammatory profile.
(Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2023)

4

Support for Neural Connectivity

MSCs may help maintain or support neuronal communication pathways between the existing nerve cells that control movement.(Experimental Neurology, 2021)

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Expected Benefits and Clinical Observations

Although individual responses vary widely, published studies and clinical observations have reported potential supportive improvement in the following functional domains:

Muscle strength and mobility
20-35%
Icono que simboliza la estrategia y el proceso cognitivo, mostrando una silueta de cabeza humana con un engranaje mecánico en su interior.
Breathing capacity
15-30%
Icono morado de una cara sonriente rodeada de tres signos de más, simbolizando positividad, mejora continua y bienestar.
Speech clarity
15-25%
Icono de dos burbujas de chat superpuestas que simbolizan la comunicación, el diálogo o los mensajes directos.
Energy levels
20-30%
Overall quality of life
25-40%
Icono morado de luna creciente y dos estrellas sobre fondo lila, simbolizando el modo nocturno, descanso o configuración de tema oscuro en una interfaz de usuario.

*These percentages summarize ranges reported in selected clinical studies and observational cohorts under controlled conditions and standardized outcomes measures. They are not specific to any single study or to treatments performed at Stem Cells Transplant Institute. They should not be interpreted as averages, promises, or guaranteed results for individual patients. Evidence for MSC therapy in ALS remains preliminary, and ongoing controlled clinical trials are still evaluating the magnitude, durability and consistency of these effects. All observations should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive proofs of efficacy.

Timeline of Reported Improvements

Published studies and patient-reported outcomes suggest that improvements following mesenchymal stem cell therapy for ALS disease may develop gradually over time. These timelines are illustrative summaries rather than predictions, and individual responses vary significantly.

1-3 months
Increased energy or a greater sense of daily stability
3-6 months
Slower perceived symptom progression or improved endurance during routine activities
6-12 months
Continued stability or a slower rate of functional decline.

*These timelines summarize patterns reported across selected published studies and observational cohorts. They are not specific predictions, and they do not represent expected outcomes for any individual patient. Individual experiences vary considerably, and some patients may experience minimal or no improvement. Evidence for MSC therapy in ALS remains preliminary, and larger controlled clinical trials are needed to validate these observations. All timelines should be interpreted as exploratory and non-confirmatory.

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Patient Stories & Testimonials

Meet some of the patients who have trusted our team with their regenerative medicine treatment.

Jace Testimonial

US Patient

Anthony Testimonial

US Patient

Tanner Testimonial

US Patient

Nick Testimonial

US Patient

Daniel Testimonial

US Patient

Individual experiences vary. These testimonials describe personal experiences with our team and process.
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Key Research Studies

Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Cytotherapy • 2016

Phase I/IIa clinical trial evaluating safety and feasibility of mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation in ALS patients, reporting acceptable safety profile and clinical potential.

View published study

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secreting Neurotrophic Factors in ALS Treatment

JAMA Neurology • 2016

Phase 1/2 clinical trials assessing safety and therapeutic effects of MSC-NTF transplantation showing promising clinical outcomes and tolerability.

View published study

Long-Term Safety of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in ALS

Neurology • 2011

Long-term follow-up study demonstrating sustained safety of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

View published study

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for ALS Treatment

Frontiers in Neurology • 2025

Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating safety and efficacy of adipose-derived MSC therapy in ALS, showing encouraging clinical responses and tolerability.

View published study

Mesenchymal Stem Cells for ALS Therapy: Mechanisms Perspective

Reviews in the Neurosciences • 2017

Scientific review describing cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MSC therapy may support neuroprotection and regeneration in ALS.

View published study

Reviewed by

Picture of Dr Heidy Chaves
Dr Heidy Chaves

Regenerative Medicine Specialist | Stem Cells Transplant Institute

Dr. Heidy Chaves is a dedicated physician specializing in regenerative medicine. She earned her medical degree from Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED) and pursued advanced training in aesthetic medicine in Spain and hair transplantation in Greece. She holds multiple international certifications in regenerative therapies and life support.

Location

San José, Costa Rica

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info@stemcellstransplantinstitute.com

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+1 888 785-4170

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