Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Stem Cells & Neurostimulation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

A New Wave of Research Bringing Hope, Protection, and Possibilities

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis has traditionally been viewed as a relentlessly progressive condition — one that steadily affects the nerve cells controlling movement.

 

For many years, the focus has been on slowing progression rather than changing the biology of the disease.


But in the past decade, something remarkable has happened.

Advances in regenerative medicine, neuroprotection, and non-invasive neurostimulation have started to shift scientific thinking. Instead of simply trying to slow ALS, researchers are now exploring ways to:

 

  • Protect Motor Neurons
  • Reduce Harmful Inflammation
  • Support Nerve Regeneration
  • Improve Communication Between Brain and Muscle
  • Enhance Overall Function and Quality of Life

 

Two major technologies stand at the frontier:

 

  • STEM Cell Therapy (MSC-based, neural progenitors, spinal injections)
  • Neurostimulation (tDCS, TPS, vagus nerve stimulation)

 

Together, they represent a new vision of ALS care — one based on biology, repair, and neuroplasticity.

the benefits of STEM Cells

Why STEM Cells Matter in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?

ALS involves damage to motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As these cells weaken, muscles lose their signals and gradually atrophy. The biological drivers include:

  • chronic inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • glutamate toxicity
  • mitochondrial dysfunction
  • impaired neurotrophic support
  • degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons

 

STEM Cells do not reverse ALS, but they seek to slow progression, protect neurons, and improve function.

STEM Cells offer multiple therapeutic advantages:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
  • calm inflammation
    release
  • neuroprotective factors
  • reduce toxic immune signaling
  • support motor neuron survival
  • improve microenvironment around nerves

(such as NSI-566, used in Phase I/II trials)

  • integrate into spinal cord tissue
  • release growth factors
  • potentially support motor circuitry

(still experimental)

  • offer personalized treatments
  • support drug development and neuron replacement strategies

STEM CEll theraphy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

What Clinical Studies Show (Patient - Friendly Summary)

1. Neural Stem Cell Trial (NSI-566) — Glass et al., 2016–2021

 

In these groundbreaking trials:

 

  • Patients received neural stem-cell injections into the spinal cord
  • Follow-up showed improved or stabilized limb strength in some participants
  • MRI demonstrated that transplanted cells survived for years

 

Most importantly: The treatment was safe and showed signs of slowing functional decline.

2. Autologous Bone-Marrow MSC Trials (Satti, Karussis, Blanquer)

 

These studies consistently show:

 

  • improved quality of life
  • slower functional decline
  • enhanced neurotrophic support
  • strong safety and tolerability

3. BrainStorm NurOwn® Trials (Phase II and III)

 

NurOwn is an MSC-based therapy designed to release high levels of neurotrophic (healing) factors.

 

Findings include:

 

  • reduced inflammatory markers
  • improved neuroprotective markers
  • a subset of patients experienced functional recovery (hand strength, walking)
  • patients with earlier-stage ALS benefited the most

 

Although the Phase III trial did not meet FDA approval criteria, many researchers continue to view NurOwn as a scientifically promising approach that warrants further study.

4. Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Trials — Petrou et al., 2016–2020

 

This group performed repeated intrathecal MSC injections.

 

Results showed:

 

  • slower disease progression on ALSFRS-R scales
  • improved respiratory stability in some patients
  • anti-inflammatory effects in spinal fluid
  • good safety profile

 

Patients receiving higher doses often showed better stabilization compared to controls.

STEM CEll theraphy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The Next Frontier: Neurostimulation for ALS

While STEM Cells support biological healing, neurostimulation strengthens neural circuitry – helping the remaining motor pathways work more efficiently.


Three technologies appear promising:

1. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

tDCS uses mild electrical currents to stimulate brain areas controlling movement.

 

Studies show:

 

  • improved motor cortex excitability
  • reduced fatigue
  • enhanced cognitive performance
  • improved swallowing in some patients
  • slowing of functional decline when combined with rehabilitation

 

Because ALS involves degeneration of upper motor neurons, tDCS may help “reawaken” weakened circuits.

2. Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS)

TPS uses focused acoustic pulses to activate deep neural networks.

Early results from other neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s) show:

 

  • improved cognitive clarity
  • increased functional connectivity
  • reduced neuroinflammation
  • enhanced neuroplasticity

Although TPS in ALS is still emerging, researchers believe it may:

 

  • support motor network function
  • improve movement planning
  • enhance quality of life
  • reduce fatigue

Its safety and non-invasiveness make it an attractive option for integrative ALS care.

3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

The vagus nerve regulates:

 

  • inflammation
  • breathing
  • autonomic function
  • neuroplasticity

Non-invasive vagus stimulation (taVNS):

 

  • reduces inflammatory cytokines
  • may stabilize autonomic functions
  • improves fatigue and sleep
  • supports neuroplasticity in motor pathways

 

In ALS, where inflammation accelerates neuron loss, VNS may offer protective effects.

The Power of Combining Stem Cells + Neurostimulation

For ALS – a disease affecting both biology and neural pathways – this combined strategy may be especially impactful.

STEM Cells Neurostimulation Combined Effect
Reduce Inflamation
Improve Neural Signaling
Slower Progression
Release Neurotrophic Factors
Enhance Plasticity
Better Muscle Control
Protect Motor Neurons
Improve Breathing & Swallowing Circuits
Longer Independence
Slow Degeneration
Enhance Rehabilitation
Better Quality of Life

A New Vision for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Even though ALS remains a serious condition, research in recent years has opened a door that was once firmly closed.


We now know:

 

  • Neurons can be Protected
  • Inflammation can be Reduced
  • Networks can be Strengthened
  • Progression can be Slowed
  • Quality of Life can be Improved

 

And with the combination of stem-cell therapy, neuromodulation, and specialized rehabilitation, many patients experience meaningful changes that were once thought impossible.


The future of ALS treatment is not just about slowing decline – it is about supporting life, function, connection, and hope.

overall feedback

What Many Patients Describe

Families often notice a “softening” of the disease’s rapid progression. While results vary, patients receiving regenerative or neuromodulation therapies often report:

Improved Breathing Comfort

Stronger Voice & Speech Clarity

Better Swallowing

Slower Loss of Limb Strength

Better Walking Stability

Reduced Cramping & Fasciculations

Improved Energy & Cognition

Better Emotional Balance

Slower Functional Decline

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