Frequently Asked Questions
Below are responses to frequently asked questions about Physical Longevity's procedures.
Please contact us with any additional questions regarding our clinical trial.
What makes Physical Longevity different from other stem cell clinics?
Unlike other international clinics for stem cell therapies, ours conducts treatments within the framework of a clinical trial. For safety and efficacy, every patient is meticulously screened and continuously monitored for outcomes. Prior to injection, our cells undergo rigorous laboratory analysis to confirm their quality and viability.
Additionally, Physical Longevity's doctors are U.S. Board Certified practitioners, with decades of experience in nonsurgical orthopedics and regenerative medicine. With a comprehensive approach, our team customizes every treatment plan and targets multiple contributing structures including tendon, soft tissue, ligaments, bone, and cartilage. Procedures are administered under ultrasound guidance with real-time visualization, thereby maximizing precision, efficiency, patient comfort, safety, and outcomes.
Highlighting Physical Longevity's holistic approach, patients may receive MSC therapy intravenously (by IV). Our clinical trial also includes an option of advanced bloodwork analysis to monitor treatment influences on inflammation, hormones, and DNA longevity biomarkers.
From where do you source your stem cells?
Our MSCs are derived from the bone marrow of healthy donors between the ages of 18 and 30. Patients participating in the clinical trial receive MSCs from a single donor. These cells are processed at Cellcolabs' production facility in Stockholm, Sweden; adhering to the highest processing and manufacturing standards and representing only the highest quality MSCs, they are certified by the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) and comply with Good Manufacturing Practice. Participants in Physical Longevity's stem cell trial have the benefit of same-day treatment, because there is no need for blood draws or uncomfortable bone marrow harvesting when using donor cells.
Are these treatments safe?
Bone marrow MSCs naturally circulate within the human body and mobilize by way of our blood vessels. And bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal stem cells have been extensively utilized in scientific studies for many years. A recent meta-analysis reviewed over 55 trials and concluded that treatments involving MSCs continue to be regarded as safe. To ensure safety and efficacy, our MSCs are checked for viability just prior to injection.
Do you offer MSC IVs in addition to MSC injections for orthopedic issues? If yes, are MSC IVs effective and safe?
Physical Longevity has a holistic approach to healing, offering MSC IV treatments in conjunction with the orthopedic injections of MSCs. Both procedures are often done on the same day. When delivered through an IV, the body accepts bone marrow-derived MSCs typically without adverse reactions.
Alternative cells including umbilical cord tissue or fat-derived MSCs may create a state vulnerable to clotting; this elevated tissue factor can lead to pulmonary emboli (clots in the lungs) or inflammatory reactions. Typically sourced from multiple donors, the potency of umbilical MSCs is an unknown, additional variable to consider. And to reduce the side effects of inflammation, it may be necessary to administer a steroid when treating with umbilical cells. Conversely, bone marrow MSCs are anti-inflammatory by nature. Research has shown that bone marrow-derived MSCs are currently the safest IV MSC option, carrying the lowest risk of adverse side effects and complications.
How do I know if I am a candidate for the clinical trial?
If you have an orthopedic condition or injury and are interested in participating in Physical Longevity's trial, please complete and submit our online inquiry form. Our patient coordinator will determine if you are a study candidate based on your responses to the screening questionnaire. If you are deemed a candidate, we will need recent MRIs of the affected areas before scheduling you for an informational session with one of our doctors.
Why do I have to travel to the Bahamas for treatment?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently prohibits IV cell therapy and the expansion of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for procedures. For this reason, we are unable to increase the number of MSCs delivered during treatments in the U.S. A traditional USA bone marrow harvest, for example, includes only .01% of MSCs. By comparison, our studies' advanced protocol includes 50 million to 100 million MSCs. Donated from a young, healthy individual, these cells are specifically dosed and administered.
As the Bahamas National Stem Cell Ethics Committee permits patient-funded clinical trials, we are able to treat patients in the Bahamas with expanded MSCs. Patient progress and outcomes are then analyzed to expedite research in the field of regenerative medicine. Ultimately, the objective is to gain approval for these MSC therapies from the U.S. FDA.
How long do the benefits last and will I require ongoing treatments?
Results can last for months, years, or even indefinitely. This may differ from one patient to the next. Factors that may influence the sustainability of MSC treatments include:
- Region of pathology
- Severity of pathology
- Duration of experiencing symptoms
- Underlying congenital or genetic issues
- Systemic conditions or comorbidities
Is there a cost to participate in this trial?
There is a cost associated with this trial. As treatment plans are customized to address each patient's specific condition(s) and needs, the cost of participation varies. Please contact our patient care coordinator to learn about pricing and package options.