Chronic kidney disease
IV mesenchymal stem cell protocols intended to slow CKD progression — not reverse it. Coordinated with nephrology, with strict candidacy criteria and explicit expectations.
- Class
- Renal
- Approach
- IV systemic
- Materials
- MSC · exosome
- Coordination
- With nephrology
01 About
What CKD is.
Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function — measured by declining glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), often with associated proteinuria. The most common drivers are diabetes, hypertension, and primary glomerular disease. Standard care is medical management of the underlying cause, blood-pressure control, RAAS inhibition (ACE/ARB), SGLT2 inhibitors when indicated, and dietary modification.
Stem cell therapy is being studied as an adjunctive intervention in CKD stages 2–4 — intended to modulate inflammation, reduce ongoing renal injury, and potentially slow the rate of progression. It is not a treatment for kidney failure or a substitute for dialysis or transplant in advanced disease.
02 How it works
How regen supports the kidney.
Mesenchymal stem cells delivered intravenously modulate immune activation in the kidney, reduce proinflammatory cytokine signaling (TNF-α, IL-6), and support the surviving renal tissue through paracrine effects. Animal models consistently show reductions in fibrosis and preservation of nephron mass. Human trials are still in earlier phases.
This is a measured indication. We do not promise renal recovery. The realistic expectation is to support remaining kidney function, modulate the inflammatory drivers of progression, and work alongside nephrology — never instead of it.
03 What the research shows
What the studies show.
CKD is one of the more measured regenerative indications. Phase 1/2 trials have established safety; phase 2/3 efficacy data is still accumulating. The most consistent biomarker signals are on inflammation, with eGFR effects more variable.
Bone Marrow MSC Infusion in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (18-month follow-up)
An early-phase clinical trial of MSC infusion in CKD patients demonstrated safety with 18-month follow-up. No infusion-related or treatment-related serious adverse events. Renal function remained stable (eGFR essentially unchanged from baseline at 6 months), with sustained reductions in proinflammatory marker TNF-α — supporting the inflammation-modulating mechanism.
Read on CytotherapyMSCs as Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of MSC therapy in CKD pooled clinical evidence supporting MSCs' immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Pooled data showed reductions in inflammatory markers and proteinuria, with safety established across studies — though heterogeneity in protocols limits firm efficacy conclusions.
Read on MDPIThe Therapeutic Effect of MSCs in Diabetic Kidney Disease
A focused review of MSC therapy for diabetic kidney disease — the most common cause of CKD globally. The review summarizes mechanism (anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, regenerative paracrine effects) and the developing clinical evidence base, and identifies the patient subgroup most likely to benefit.
Read on Springer
CKD is one of the indications where we are most measured. The mechanism is plausible and safety is well-established — efficacy on hard outcomes (eGFR trajectory, dialysis-free survival) is still being established in phase 2/3 trials.
04 Are you a candidate
Who's a candidate.
Candidates:
- CKD stages 2–4 with stable eGFR trajectory and active nephrology care.
- Diabetic nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy on optimized medical management.
- Patients with persistent proteinuria despite RAAS blockade.
- Realistic expectations — slowing of decline, not reversal of established damage.
When we will not recommend it:
- End-stage renal disease (Stage 5) where dialysis or transplant planning is the priority.
- Active acute kidney injury requiring nephrology workup.
- Patients not on optimized medical management — fix the foundation first.
- Active glomerulonephritis or nephritis requiring immunosuppressive therapy.
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
Dr. Abdullah is the doctor you'll want to have. Patient, calm, listens attentively. I'll wholeheartedly recommend this place to my family and loved ones.
Mickhail Bobga Google · 5.0
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.
A CKD protocol begins with nephrology coordination, full labs (CMP, CBC, lipids, urine ACR, eGFR trend), and review of medications. Treatment is IV systemic MSC and/or exosome material in a series of doses spaced over months. We do not perform intra-renal artery delivery — that remains experimental.
Reassessment at 3, 6, and 12 months. Renal function panel, urine ACR, inflammatory markers, and ongoing nephrology follow-up.
09 Common questions
Common questions, answered.
Will this reverse my kidney disease?
No. Realistic expectation is slowing progression and supporting remaining function — not reversal of established damage.
Is this safe at my current eGFR?
Stages 2–4 are appropriate candidates. Stage 5 / dialysis-dependent disease is not.
How does this affect my nephrology care?
It's adjunctive. We coordinate directly with your nephrologist throughout.
What outcomes will we track?
eGFR trajectory, urine protein, inflammatory markers, and your overall functional status — measured at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.
How long is the protocol?
Typically a series of IV doses spaced over months, with reassessment at defined intervals.
What are the risks?
IV MSC protocols are well-tolerated. Phase 1 trials in CKD have established safety with 18+ months of follow-up.
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 kidney function, your nephrology care, and whether IV MSC therapy is the right adjunct — and what realistic expectations look like.