Stem Cell Therapy Price and Reviews in Malaysia for 2020

As of July 2020, there are more than 200,000 scientific studies published on PubMed.gov and 7,000 on-going stem cell related studies on clinicaltrials.gov. Stem cell therapy has gained popularity as a promising treatment option for anti-aging, cosmetic, coronavirus and also conditions where the current medical treatment protocols have been exhausted. However, there is also a lot of confusion due to the overwhelming mixing of credible scientific information and marketing hypes available on the internet.

Contents

We have compiled and summarised essential information below in layman's terms so that you can understand and make a better informed decision.

We have searched around the internet and filtered out the junks out there. We have summarised essential information and provided some relevant links in order to facilitate your research for 'Stem Cell Malaysia' in one place. Do go through them and do your own research and hopefully, you will be getting the best qualified doctor for your stem cell procedure in Malaysia.

• What are Stem Cells?
• Stem Cell Therapy Cost in Malaysia
• Stem Cell Malaysia Reviews
• Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes in Malaysia
• Stem Cell Treatment for Knees in Malaysia
• Stem Cell Therapy for Autism in Malaysia
• Best Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
• Mesenchymal stem cells
• Oral Stem Cell Supplements? | Scam Alert

What are Stem Cells?

The primary purpose of stem cells is to maintain, heal and regenerate tissues wherever they reside in your body. This is a continuous process that occurs inside your body throughout your life. If you didn't have stem cells, your lifespan would be about an hour, because there would be nothing to replace exhausted cells or damaged tissue. In addition, any time your body is exposed to any sort of toxin, the inflammatory process causes stem cells to swarm the area to repair the damage.

Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. They are special because of their ability to self-renew, duplicate, regenerate and repair.

Stem cells can also be classified based on their source, for example, embryonic stem cells, foetal stem cells and adult stem cells. To learn more about the basics of stem cells, check out stem cell basics.

Historically, stem cells were isolated from bone marrow, and have been used for bone marrow transplants for cancer patients since the 1930s. However, you can get stem cells from just about any tissue in your body, as every tissue contains stem cells.

Your bone marrow actually has very low amounts of mesenchymal stem cells, which are now believed to be the most important, from a therapeutic perspective. Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to send signals out to the rest of your body, calling cells to the area to help promote healing.

There are various stem cell products in the Malaysian market. However, not all of the products contain 'live' stem cells. For stem cells to stay alive, it must be stored in a 'liquid nitrogen storage'. Another important point to understand is that for live stem cells to reach the target organ, it needs to be administered intra-venously or intra-muscularly. Stem cells that are taken by the oral route will be digested and broken down in the stomach.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem Cell Therapy Cost in Malaysia

The cost of stem cell related services will vary widely depending on the type of services you are having done. Stem Cell Therapy has been around for decades, most well known for the treatment of leukemia, where it has saved thousands of lives via bone marrow transplant.

Beyond the use of stem cell in bone marrow transplant, stem cell treatment for other indications are are already going through clinical trials and have shown positive results in diseases such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, knee osteoarthritis, autism and anti-aging purposes.

As a guide, the cost of mesenchymal stem cells in Malaysia may cost from RM 50,000 to RM 80,000 for 100 million cells.

Stem Cell Cartilage Regeneration Package for the knees will vary from MYR 25,000 to MYR 40,000 for both knees. Medical insurance will unlikely to cover stem cell therapy as they prefer to wait for more evidence before covering it. Still, when you compare it to the cost of long-term medications or the out-of-pocket cost of getting a knee replacement, stem cell therapy may still be a less expensive option.

Some of the reported and published stem cell therapy costs in Malaysia include the following:

• The 1st Stem Cell Congress held in November 2012 in Malaysia reported that in private hospitals, the cost of transplant Allogeneic PBSCT (Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant) ranges from RM 200,000 to RM 250,000. Through Tabung Bantuan Perubatan, the Ministry of Health is subsidising HSCT (hemopoietic stem cell transplant) done in University hospitals at MYR 40,000 - MYR 60,000 per transplant.

Stemlife vs Cryocord 2019 - Stem Cell Banking Pricing in Malaysia

Do take note that both companies will charge an upfront fee or enrolment fee that includes the first year of storage, processing and testing fee. The enrolment fee will vary from RM 3,000 to RM 10,000 depending on the type of cord blood storage.

Stemlife Price Malaysia 2018/2019:

• Cord Lining (MSC, EpSC), Wharton’s Jelly (MSC), Cord Blood (HSC): RM 800 average annual storage fee
• Wharton’s Jelly (MSC), Cord Blood (HSC - hematopoietic stem cells): RM 400 average annual storage fee
• Cord Blood (HSC): RM 400 average annual storage fee

Cryocord Price Malaysia 2018/2019:

• Basic Plan: RM 280 annual storage fee
• Premium Plan: RM 700 annual storage fee

Related: Stemlife vs Cryocord 2019

Stem Cell Malaysia Reviews

Most of the reviews are related to stem cell banking in Malaysia.

1) Stem Cell (lowyat.net) 
CellSafe, RM 3700 (promotion price), SEPAX device, normal price RM4500 but 10% discount + free stoller with maybank card.

StemLife, RM 4750 (promotion price), automated AXP processing.

Cryocord, RM 4300 (normal price), normal processing; +RM600 for automated AXP device; +RM500 if store by vials.

2) StemLife vs Cryocord Price (lowyat.net)
Was given the following cyrocord price:

1. Cord blood
Upfront $3000
Annual $280
20 years $2500
2. Cord blood + MSC
Upfront $10,800
Annual $700
20 years $9000
Lump sum discount $500 (not worth it)
Cord blood tube storage +$600
Free car seat.
Do you know stemlife pricing?
Let me know if you can get better price or freebie?

Related: Rawatan Stem Cell di Malaysia


Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes in Malaysia

Majority of stem cell research for diabetes is concentrated on Type 1 diabetes as it can be traced to the loss of a single cell type, the beta islet cell. Beta cells (β cells) are a type of cell found in pancreatic islets that produce and secrete insulin. In patients with type I or type II diabetes, beta-cell mass and function are diminished, leading to insufficient insulin secretion and high blood sugar.

Currently, two approaches are being used in research, using stem cells as beta-cell producing factories or as a beta cell repair catalyst. Both methods have the same goal which is to return the insulin to normal levels. Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) are running clinical trials and have a number of patients that are living insulin free for an average of 10 years after receiving a transplant of donor islet cells.

There are many ongoing efforts to understand how stem cell therapy is able to help people with diabetes. One of the main centres is the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, where you can view the areas of research being conducted specifically to understand diabetes.

For a list of stem cell therapy clinics for diabetes, check out Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes in Malaysia.

Stem Cell Treatment for Knees in Malaysia

How Stem Cells might help in Treatment for Knee Pain?

• Repair and regenerate the damaged bone and cartilage as stem cells have the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and chondrocytes.
• Possess anti-inflammatory ability, thus reduce inflammatory responses caused by physical damages.
• Improve joint functions and crepitus condition, thus reducing pain.

For list of stem cell therapy clinics for knee pain or cartilage regeneration, check out Stem Cell Treatment for Knees in Malaysia.

Stem Cell Treatment for Autism in Malaysia

Stem cell therapy for autism in Malaysia is an ongoing topic of research and is considered experimental by the medical community in Malaysia. Parents can find fee-for-service clinics that advertise stem cell therapy for autism in Malaysia, but most of these clinics promote their own approach, which creates a lot of confusion among parents about how to compare their treatment options.

For list of stem cell therapy clinics for autism, check out Stem Cell Treatment for Autism in Malaysia.

Stem Cell Treatment for Other Conditions

Although most of the conditions are ongoing topics for research (where the current medical treatment protocols have been exhausted), many stem cell centres do offer treatment for the following conditions:

COVID-19, Anti-aging, Ataxia, Stroke, Kidney Failure, Liver Failure, Muscular Dystrophy, Motor Neuron Diseases, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD), Optic Nerve Atrophy, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Best Place for Stem Cell Therapy in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

Check out our short-listed stem cell therapy clinics in Malaysia list below. The list of clinics has been arranged in no particular order.

Methodology: The selection of the clinics is based on Google Search Results, reviews and information available on blogs and forums.

Find doctors, specialised in Regenerative Medicine and compare prices, costs and reviews.

1) Stem Cell Therapy Malaysia (SCTM)

Stem Cell Therapy Malaysia Working Group (SCTM) is a network of specially trained multi-disciplined medical doctors and specialists, providing advanced, research-driven, regen medicine, integrative medicine and lifestyle medicine in Malaysia.

There is no one-size fits all solution for stem cell therapy. Whether it's allogeneic or autologous stem cells, we will need to assess every individual and pre-qualify them for a personalised recommendation.

Stem Cell Therapy Malaysia has 9 partner clinics in Klang Valley i.e. Mid Valley City, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Life Care Medical Centre, Assunta Hospital, Publika KL, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Kajang.

Stem Cell Therapy Malaysia (HQ)
Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

WhatsApp: +60 12 - 299 8845


2) Cell Therapy Centre - UKM Medical Centre (UKM Stem Cell)

Address: 12th Floor, Clinical Block, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Cell Therapy Center is one of the Center of Excellence in UKM Medical Centre (UKMMC) which provides cell-based therapy including hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, mesenchymal stem cells and mononuclear cells to patients with blood cancers, bone marrow diseases and degenerative diseases. The Cell Therapy Centre has the aspiration to be among the world leaders in research and development (R&D) of cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.


3) Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre

With 3 branches in Klang Valley, 2 in Kuala Lumpur and one in Petaling Jaya.

Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre - HQ
Address: Level 6, 8 & 9, Kenanga Tower, No. 237 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Maintain your vibrancy and vitality even as you age with medical grade stem cell therapy. Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre has a dedicated team of doctors and nurses and the ambience of a five star hotel equipped with the latest monitoring devices so you can feel assured of both safety and comfort. Our treatment includes follow-ups to ensure the best long-term outcome is achieved. Various package available, please enquire to know your best suited package.

The accumulated free radical damage that you sustain everyday increases over time and your body naturally responds with consequences of premature aging and degenerative diseases. Your body cells are attacked daily, thousands of times by these free radicals which reduce your quality of life that could be inverted with our stem cell therapy packages.


4) Celestica Life Sdn Bhd - Stem Cell Kuala Lumpur

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CelesticaLife is an advanced wellness clinic specializing in preventive and regenerative medicine. Delivering personalized treatments to manage diseases and delay the onset of ageing, we aim to empower you to regain control of your health and your ageing process.

The team is deeply honored to be recognized as the ‘Best Anti-Ageing Service Provider in Asia Pacific” by the Global Health Awards in 2019. This serves as an affirmation of the patented technology and cellular treatments that the team has tirelessly worked on to give our clients nothing but the best treatments.

Complementing the wellness experience is CelesticaSpa, a health sanctuary which offers luxurious massages to improve well-­being for a holistic wellness journey.

Location: Level 5, Intercontinental Hotel, No. 165, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

5) Cell Malaysia Stem Cell Therapy - Regen Rehabilitation International Hospital

Cell Malaysia is situated in Malaysia and is a specialist centre that provides pioneering stem cell therapy techniques to patients from all over the world to help reduce the effects of the aging process.

Cell Malaysia, owned by Chamrun Health Sdn Bhd (1321092-P), was established in 2010 as a one-stop Stem Cell Therapy service provider assisting patients worldwide seeking for Stem Cell therapy through our panel of specialised doctors with years of experience in this field having treated hundreds of patients in the past decade.

Cell Malaysia operates in ReGen Rehab Hospital, their partnered medical centre that specialises in medical rehabilitation to transform care and rebuild lives. ReGen is the first private rehabilitation hospital in Malaysia to obtain a Stem Cell Therapy license from the Ministry of Health with dedicated rehabilitation gyms & facilities.

The stem cells use by Cell Malaysia are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), derived from the Wharton’s Jelly of the umbilical cord of a newborn baby with a high viability rate. These cells are of very high quality, processed ethically at our lab in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The MSC cells go through various layers of tests at each stage of isolation and expansion to ensure the best quality of cells.

Address: Lot 8, Jalan Bersatu, Jalan 13/4, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Reviews: 4.7/5 (Google)

6) Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Centre (KLSMC) - KLSMC Stem Cells

Address: 7th Floor, Wisma Perintis, 47 Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

KLSMC Stem Cells Sdn. Bhd., a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Centre, was established in 2005 specifically to spearhead the research on stem cells regenerative therapy in the musculoskeletal system. Following internationally recognized medical research ethics and protocols, a series of studies were undertaken culminating in 2007 with the beginning of the human pilot study.

Several clinical studies led by Dr. Saw Khay Yong (consultant orthopaedic surgeon and CEO) revealed a breakthrough discovery: in injecting the patient’s own blood stem cells, coupled with surgical intervention and physiotherapy, it was possible for patients to regenerate hyaline cartilage.

In early 2010, a US patent (patent no: US 8,377,432 B2: Method and composition for neochondrogenesis) was filed for the stem cell technology and it was granted in 2013.

7) Stem Cell Hair Treatment by Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia

Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia has 2 branches in Klang Valley, 1 in KL and 1 in PJ.

Stem Cell Therapy, Using Regenera Activa is a no-downtime, advanced hair growth treatment that uses regenerative cells extracted from your scalp to stimulate the other areas that are losing hair. It is purely natural, without any harmful effects, using our own cells, they improve the skin of the scalp, density of the existing hair and stimulate the growth of new hair follicles. It is a safe and effective technique to combat hair loss problems. Regenera Activa, stem cell Therapy is suitable for both men and women. It is also suitable to be done alongside with hair implant or transplant procedures if needed. This treatment has very minimal downtime with fast healing, minimizing complications and obtaining more effective results in least time.

Hair Transplant Centre Malaysia - HQ
Address: P-G-022A, Ground Floor, Centrestage, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

WhatsApp: +60 12 - 299 8845

(Related: Stem Cell Hair Treatment Malaysia)


8) Stem Cell Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Address: No. 8, Jalan Bukit Pantai 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dr. Reza Ng Ching Soong - Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Reza Ng is a tertiary provider of Shoulder and Knee surgery and care. His interests include biological healing and cartilage regeneration using stem cells. He is currently the Principal Investigator for an ongoing FDA trial on Cartilage Regeneration using Autologous Stem Cells and Hyaluronic Acid Injections.

Dr Malinee A. Thambyayah - Pediatric Neurologist
Her interests include Integrative Rehabilitation for Brain Injury Using Stem Cells, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Nutritional Medicine.

Related: Pantai Hospital KL Doctor List


Is Stem Cell Therapy Legal in Malaysia?

According to The Star, Guidelines for cell and gene therapy products (CGTPs) issued by the Health Ministry will be enforced from 2021, says Dr Lee Boon Chye (Deputy Health Minister).

MACT (Malaysian Association for Cell Therapy) president Dr Lim Teck Onn said the effective use of stem cell for medical purposes was evidence-backed, but cell therapy might be controversial for aesthetic applications.

“The use of stem cell for genuine medical therapy has never really been an issue. There are data and proven trials and even US Food and Drug Administration-approved indications. The big problem however is its use in wellness, anti-aging and some beauty products. As an industry association, we have an obligation to make sure that companies involved in these activities do so responsibly and not take patients and consumers for a ride,” he said.

To download the whole Malaysian Guidelines for Cell and Gene Therapy Products 2016, please click here.


Mesenchymal Stem Cells

There are 3 main sources of mesenchymal stem cells.

Umbilical Cord - The umbilical cord itself is a rich source of stem cells, where its Wharton’s Jelly holds precious Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). These stem cells have been found to be very promising as it has beneficial properties that Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) may have restrictions in. MSCs have the ability to differentiate into bone, heart, nerve, cornea, fat and cartilage cells, and has been used for repairs of these organs.

Bone Marrow - The bone marrow has been identified as one of the best sources of harvesting stem cells from adults, through Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA). The BMA process is a low-risk, invasive procedure usually performed on the back of the hip bone. MSCs that reside in the spongy bone are extracted from the bone marrow, where the half-day procedure leaves a very small, negligible scar on the back. The MSCs are then brought back to the laboratory to be processed and expanded.

Adipose Tissue (fat tissue) - It has been found that adipose tissue (fat tissue) contains MSCs. These MSCs are ideally harvested during liposuction, where instead of discarding the fat collected, the fat is brought back to the laboratory for MSCs isolation and expansion. Although the adipose-derived MSCs are currently investigated to treat a multitude of diseases, they are particularly suited for cosmetic indications.


Oral Stem Cell Supplements?

The are many phoney “oral stem cells” which aren’t really live stem cells at all and are sold with amazing claims but devoid of any clinical data to back them up, typical of other health supplement scams. You’ll have the usual testimonials of people who “feel better”, “look younger” etc. Unfortunately these subjective improvements are likely a placebo effect or delusions.

Marketeers' claims of oral stem cell supplements containing live stem cells are not scientifically plausible as stem cells consumed orally will be destroyed by the enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. Stem cells, like any meat (muscular cells) that you eat, will get digested (broken down into smaller elements) in your digestive system and be absorbed as amino acids and lipids. Therefore, there are no special benefits to eating stem cells besides from nutritional aspects gained from eating any animal cells or eating a piece of meat. In order to get to the target sites, stem cells will need to be injected or infused (intravenously etc.) in order to bypass the digestive system.

However, oral supplements may be prescribed by doctors to 'support' the stem cell therapy. Do not be confused with 'oral stem cell supplements' that claim to contain live stem cells. As mentioned above, live stem cells need to be injected in order to avoid the human digestion process in the stomach.

Wrapping It Up

So, here you are. The best stem cell therapy clinics in Malaysia. If there are any major stem cell therapy clinics that we’ve missed, please let us know in the comments!

Related: 

• Stem Cell Research Review 2020

• Stem cell therapy in Singapore

Read more: Stem Cell Therapy and Cord Blood Banking

If you are in doubt which stem cell therapy centre to go, you can contact us for assistance.