A controlled phase I trial published in Scientific Reports in May 2025 demonstrated that placental stem cell therapy appears to be safe and shows initial neuroprotective effects in patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS).
The research supports the increasing interest in regenerative medicine solutions for neurological conditions that have no established treatments.
A Quiet Revolution: What the Trial Revealed
In this first-in-human study, five SPMS patients received intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from donated placental tissue. The treatment was well tolerated across all participants.
The researchers observed decreased inflammatory markers, which indicated that placental MSCs could potentially help in slowing down the disease progression and supporting the neurological function.
“These cells don’t just mask symptoms; they create an environment where the body can begin repairing itself,” said Dr. Elena Morozova, the study’s lead investigator.
Why Placental Stem Cells Matter
Placental tissue serves as an abundant ethical source of mesenchymal stem cells, which medical professionals obtain through painless procedures after childbirth without performing invasive procedures.
Placenta-derived MSCs are under investigation for their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties, which include their potential to:
- Encourage tissue repair
- Reduce inflammation
- Support immune balance
Preclinical research has investigated their therapeutic applications for treating intestinal damage and neurological inflammation, which demonstrates their wide range of therapeutic uses.
“Placenta-derived MSCs may exert benefits not merely by replacing damaged cells, but by reshaping the inflammatory environment,” said Professor Stefano Pluchino, a regenerative neuroimmunology expert at the University of Cambridge and leading researcher in stem cell approaches for MS.
Emerging Landscape: Caution Amid Celebration
Experts stress caution in interpreting early findings. “The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs, particularly those from the placenta, offer a promising route to dampen neuroinflammation and potentially promote repair in progressive MS,” said Dr. Jaime Imitola, a neuroimmunologist at Harvard Medical School, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation as treatments evolve.
Nature has recently published a commentary that emphasizes that stem cell therapies need to undergo thorough testing and follow established clinical standards.
Policy changes have received attention from the public. The new Florida legislation allows unapproved placental stem cell treatments for pain and orthopedic conditions, but some experts fear this could lead to risks because of insufficient oversight.
What’s Next? Ongoing Research, Regulatory Steps, and Patient Safety
Researchers and regulators are monitoring several emerging developments in placental stem cell research, including:
- Expanded randomized trials for SPMS and other neurodegenerative diseases
- Tighter regulatory frameworks to prioritize patient safety
- Advances in stem cell manufacturing by biotech companies aiming to scale access responsibly
Conditions Under Investigation with Placental Stem Cells
Ongoing studies are examining potential applications of placental stem cells, particularly placental MSCs, in a variety of conditions, especially where current therapies are limited:
- Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS included)
- Inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
- Neural and spinal injuries
- Tissue repair (e.g., intestinal, auditory, dermatological)
A Growing Global Response
Stem cell therapy in Canada shows increasing interest in stem cell therapy because patients choose to receive investigational regenerative treatments from regulated clinics.
Health Canada has approved a few clinical trials for stem cell therapy, but maintains strict control over safety protocols and ethical standards. The experts stress that standardization of regulations must occur to prevent patients from seeking unapproved medical care at facilities outside the country.
The growing global interest in stem cell therapies has prompted researchers and policymakers to develop standardized regulations that will ensure safe, evidence-based access to these treatments.
Patient Perspectives: A Glimpse Into Real-World Impact
Multiple Sclerosis News Today published Phase 1 trial results showing that controlled clinical study participants achieved measurable improvements. A patient with progressive MS showed decreased disability and enhanced muscle strength after receiving mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural progenitor therapy during the two-year follow-up period.
The researchers observed enduring clinical advantages that indicate future research potential for this treatment despite its non-curative nature.
The medical community shows increasing interest in placental stem cell treatment, yet emphasizes the requirement for screening procedures and proper consent processes, and follow-up care.
Clinical Snapshot
The current trial, together with Brazilian and European, and North American research activities, helps develop placental stem cell therapy. Experts emphasize that safety, together with scale and clinical oversight, remains an essential factor.
Swiss Medica stands among clinics that provide evidence-based regenerative care according to recent industry reports.
Observers note that such providers could contribute to discussions on ensuring ethical and transparent access to developing therapies.