At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, we offer stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) to help support immune balance, reduce inflammation, and promote neurological function.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. This disruption interferes with the normal transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2023), over 2.8 million people worldwide live with MS, with most diagnoses occurring between the ages 20 and 50.
MS presents in several clinical forms. The most common type is called Relapsing-remitting (RRMS) because patients experience relapses and periods of stability in between. Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) is diagnosed when the symptoms don’t fully resolve during a remission period. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) progresses over time, without episodes of remission of improvement of symptoms. Finally, Progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) is diagnosed when patients experience escalating symptoms over time as well as intermittent episodes of remission.
At Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, MSC therapy for Multiple Sclerosis is offered as a complement to existing neurological care. Our treatment protocols are delivered in San José within a certified clinical environment, and the decision to proceed is always made alongside a full review of the patient’s current management plan.
In Costa Rica, physician-supervised protocols are available at significantly lower cost and without extended wait times as compared to equivalent treatments in North America. Most patients from the U.S. and Canada arrive to San José in under five hours, complete their protocol in three to five days, and return home with a structured remote follow-up plan already in place.
MS type, relapse history, current DMARDs, and neurological baseline are all reviewed before a protocol is designed. Patients on immunomodulatory therapy may receive specific pre-treatment guidance to ensure the timing of their visit is clinically appropriate.
Research to date suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may help modulate abnormal immune responses, reduce inflammatory activity, and support the body’s own repair process in individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Early clinical studies have reported that MSCs can exhibit immunomodulatory properties which may contribute to improved neurological function and lessen disease progression. Laboratory and preclinical research has also shown they are capable of producing proteins that help neurons grow and survive as well as angiogenic factors that aid in the healing, growth and maintenance of blood vessels.
Although evidence is still emerging, published studies have described potential benefits such as reductions in relapse frequency, stabilization of symptoms, and improvements in certain functional domains among some patients with relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of MS.
(Evidence remains preliminary and ongoing clinical trials are required to confirm these effects.)
MSCs are proposed to help rebalance overactive immune cells (T and B lymphocytes) that contribute to damage in the myelin. By modulating immune signaling, they may support a more controlled and less inflammatory immune environment.
(Frontiers in Immunology, 2022)
MSCs can secrete anti-inflammatory molecules in laboratory and early clinical settings. These signaling factors may help decrease cytokines associated with chronic neuroinflammation and central nervous system injury.
(Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2023)
Through the release of trophic and growth factors, MSCs may stimulate oligodendrocyte precursor cells—the cells that rebuild myelin.
(Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2021)
MSC-derived factors may provide neurotrophic support that helps protect neurons from further degeneration. These effects may contribute to healthier communication pathways within the central nervous system.
(Cell Transplantation, 2022)
Although individual responses vary widely, published studies and clinical observations have reported potential supportive improvement in the following functional domains:
*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 MS 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.
Published studies and patient-reported outcomes suggest that improvements following mesenchymal stem cell therapy for MS may develop gradually over time. These timelines are illustrative summaries rather than predictions, and individual responses vary significantly.
*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 MS remains preliminary, and larger controlled clinical trials are needed to validate these observations. All timelines should be interpreted as exploratory and non-confirmatory.
Prices vary from patient to patient because each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, medical history, and recommended stem cell protocol. After reviewing your case, our medical team will provide a clear and personalized cost estimate. This helps ensure you understand exactly what is included before planning your trip.
Most Multiple Sclerosis treatment programs use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from ethically sourced umbilical cord tissue. These are typically administered through: intravenous (IV) infusion or intrathecal (spinal) injection.
Your physician will recommend the safest and most suitable method based on your condition. Some patients also choose to receive elective supportive therapies—such as vitamin C or glutathione infusions, ozone therapy, or PRP—as general wellness support. These are not treatments for MS and are optional.
Most MS patients stay 5–10 days to allow time for:
If your plan requires additional sessions or supportive therapies, we will help you schedule the appropriate length of stay.
In many cases, yes—but this must always be coordinated with your treating neurologist. Never discontinue prescribed medications unless advised by your medical doctor. Our team encourages shared medical management to ensure safety and continuity of care.
No. Chemotherapy is not part of the MSC treatment protocol at our center.
Some scientific publications describe the use of chemotherapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for MS. HSCT is a different medical procedure that aims to reset the immune system using immune-ablative chemotherapy followed by infusion of hematopoietic stem cells.
Our institute provides MSC therapy only, which does not include immune-ablative chemotherapy.
MSC therapy has shown a favorable short-term safety profile in early clinical studies. Possible mild reactions may include fatigue, headache, or low-grade fever shortly after treatment.
Your physician will review all potential risks with you, which may include rare but possible complications, and answer any questions you may have before moving forward. All patients undergo a medical screening process to ensure the therapy is appropriate and as safe as possible.
Your comfort and safety are the Institute’s highest priorities. We provide onsite emergency support available on-site.
Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis.
View published study
Systematic review examining mechanisms, clinical evidence, and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell treatment for multiple sclerosis.
View published study
Phase II randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating safety and therapeutic outcomes of intrathecal MSC-NP therapy in progressive MS.
View published study
Randomized placebo-controlled phase II trial assessing clinical response and safety of autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy in MS patients.
View published study
Phase I clinical study demonstrating safety and early therapeutic signals of autologous mesenchymal stem cell treatment in progressive MS.
View published study
Pilot clinical trial evaluating neural progenitor cells derived from MSCs and their potential regenerative effects in progressive multiple sclerosis.
View published study
San José, Costa Rica
info@stemcellstransplantinstitute.com
+1 888 785-4170
