Autoimmune & chronic inflammation
IV mesenchymal stem cell protocols for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, IBD, and other systemic inflammatory conditions. The therapeutic mechanism aligns with the disease mechanism — but it is adjunctive to rheumatology care.
- Class
- Autoimmune · systemic
- Approach
- IV systemic, multi-dose
- Materials
- MSC · exosome
- Coordination
- With rheumatology
01 About
What autoimmune disease is.
Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. They include rheumatoid arthritis (joints and synovium), systemic lupus erythematosus (multi-organ), psoriasis (skin and joints), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), and many others. The common thread is dysregulated immune activation that drives chronic tissue damage.
Standard care is disease-specific — methotrexate and biologics (TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors) for RA; hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants for lupus; biologics for IBD. Stem cell therapy is being studied as an immune-modulating adjunct, intended to broaden the rebalancing effect on the immune system.
02 How it works
How regen modulates immunity.
Mesenchymal stem cells are foundationally immunomodulatory: they suppress autoreactive T cell activation, increase regulatory T cell populations, reduce proinflammatory cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17), and modify B cell function. The therapeutic logic for autoimmune disease is direct — the same immune dysregulation that drives the disease is what MSCs are designed to address.
This is one of the most mechanistically aligned indications. Clinical evidence has been strongest for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, with growing data in IBD and other autoimmune conditions. We position regen as adjunctive to disease-specific therapy, never instead of it.
03 What the research shows
What the studies show.
Autoimmune disease has accumulated meaningful clinical-trial data — particularly for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The strongest signals are on disease activity scores (DAS28 for RA, SLEDAI for lupus) and on biomarker profiles (T cell subsets).
MSC Transplantation for Autoimmune Diseases: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of RCTs
A meta-analysis of MSC therapy across multiple autoimmune diseases (RA, SLE, IBD, MS, ankylosing spondylitis). Pooled data showed reductions in disease activity scores, increases in regulatory T cells, and reductions in proinflammatory Th17 cells — confirming the mechanism. Safety was consistent across studies. The total clinical effective rate for RA was 54%.
Read on WileyClinical Efficacy and Safety of MSCs for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
A systematic review of MSC therapy for lupus. Across the included trials, the MSC group had lower proteinuria than controls at 3 and 6 months, lower SLEDAI scores at 2 and 6 months, and a lower rate of adverse events than control groups — the mechanistic alignment translating into measurable clinical effect.
Read on PubMedSafety and Efficacy of MSC Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
A 2023 meta-analysis of MSC therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Pooled data demonstrated significant reductions in DAS28 (disease activity), tender and swollen joint counts, and inflammatory markers — with consistent safety. The clinical effect size supports MSC therapy as a meaningful adjunct in active RA.
Read on PLOS
Autoimmune disease is one of the most mechanistically coherent regenerative indications. We position MSC therapy as a meaningful adjunct — never as a replacement for disease-specific medication or specialist care.
04 Are you a candidate
Who's a candidate.
Candidates:
- Active rheumatoid arthritis with persistent disease activity despite optimized DMARD/biologic therapy.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus with active disease despite hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressive treatment.
- Inflammatory bowel disease with ongoing symptoms despite biologics.
- Patients seeking adjunct immune-modulating therapy with realistic expectations.
When we will not recommend it:
- Patients seeking to discontinue disease-specific therapy.
- Active uncontrolled infection (the immunomodulation can worsen infection risk).
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy in the immediate future.
- Patients without a confirmed diagnosis from a rheumatologist or specialist.
Think you might be a candidate?
The first step is a 60–90 minute consultation. We review your imaging, history, and goals — and tell you honestly whether regenerative therapy is the right next step.
05 A patient experience
I flew into Texas to get my grandmother treated here, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Her inflammation and pain has drastically improved — and we avoided surgery.
WrittenInFilm Google · Local Guide
07What happens at your consultation
A conversation, not a sales meeting.
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01
Intake & history
60–90 minutes. We review imaging, prior treatments, current medications, and goals. Most of this hour is listening.
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02
Focused exam
A clinical exam tailored to your indication. Range of motion, strength, functional testing — what the literature actually predicts response on.
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03
Honest candidacy review
If we think you're a candidate, we'll tell you why. If we don't, we'll tell you what we'd recommend instead — surgery, PT, watchful waiting.
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04
Written plan & pricing
A defined treatment plan with modality, sequence, follow-up cadence, and total cost — before any commitment.
06 What treatment looks like
What treatment looks like.
An autoimmune protocol begins with rheumatology coordination, full labs (CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP, autoimmune panel, disease-specific markers), and review of current medications. Treatment is IV systemic MSC and/or exosome material in a series of doses spaced over weeks to months.
Reassessment at 3, 6, and 12 months. Disease activity scoring (DAS28, SLEDAI, etc. as appropriate), biomarker tracking, and ongoing rheumatology coordination.
09 Common questions
Common questions, answered.
Should I stop my biologic?
No. We coordinate with your rheumatologist — disease-specific therapy stays.
Does this work for my specific condition?
Strongest data: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus. Growing data: IBD, psoriasis. We discuss yours specifically at consultation.
Will this cure the disease?
No. Realistic expectation: reduced disease activity scores, lower flare frequency, and improved quality of life.
How long do effects last?
Typically months. Most patients benefit from periodic redosing — frequency depends on disease activity and response.
Is this safe during a flare?
Active uncontrolled flares should be stabilized first. Stable, well-managed disease is the right candidacy.
What are the risks?
Safety is well-established across autoimmune trials. Active uncontrolled infection is a contraindication — immunomodulation can worsen infection risk.
08 Coverage & cost
Most regenerative protocols at Apex are not covered by insurance — we discuss pricing directly, in writing, before any commitment. Softwave shockwave is the exception: covered by Medicare Parts A & B with supplement (not by Medicare Advantage). Financing options are available for protocols not covered. We never hold a pricing conversation until we know you're a candidate.
Begin with a consultation.
A frank conversation about your autoimmune condition, your current treatment, and whether IV MSC therapy is the right immunomodulatory adjunct — and what the data actually shows for your specific disease.