The founder and chairman of MediStem Panama, Dr. Neil Riordan, outlines the work of his unique institute, which is at the forefront of research on adult stem cells that are used to treat a variety of chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and autism.
Of the two types of adult stem cells – tissue based and bone marrow based – Riordan’s company typically works with the tissue-based stem cells from the umbilical cords, from full-term deliveries. He says they use the umbilical cords cells because they are the most robust tissue stem cell available.
“We’re studying spinal cord injury, we’re studying multiple sclerosis, we’re studying rheumatoid arthritis,” Riordan says of the company’s current focus. “We’re also studying heart failure, osteoarthritis and autism.”
He details a firsthand account from a man paralyzed after a spinal cord injury who made a dramatic recovery after getting stem cell treatment. “He had been a complete no-function, or non-sensation below the injury for 10 ½ half months before he came to see us,” he explains. “So he came in July, and our spinal cord protocol is four weeks long, so he stayed for four weeks.”
A clip is also shown of the patient’s dramatic recovery about seven weeks after completing his treatment. “He’s using all his own power to pedal that bicycle. Prior to him getting treated, he had no feeling, and absolutely no movement below mid-chest, which is where he was shot.”
“It’s very gratifying and it’s wonderful for our entire staff and for the patient’s families,” Riordan said about such stories of his facility’s success.
Watch the full episode for more on Riordan’s stem cell research, including an explanation of why he has so much success utilizing tissue-based stem cells from umbilical cords.
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