Stem Cell Therapy in Pasadena
What Are Stem Cells?
Understanding Their Role in Regenerative Medicine
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells naturally found in the body. They are unique because of their ability to:
- Differentiate into specialized cell types (e.g., muscle, bone, or nerve).
- Release growth factors and signaling molecules that may influence cellular environments.
- Self-renew, making them potential building blocks in tissue support and repair.
Scientists are actively studying stem cells in regenerative medicine for their investigational potential. While research is ongoing, no stem cell therapy is FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease beyond established uses in blood disorders.
At Alpha Hormones® in Pasadena, California, our role is to provide education, transparency, and personalized consultations so patients can better understand this evolving field.
Why Stem Cell Therapy Is Generating Interest in Regenerative Medicine
Researchers worldwide are exploring how stem cells may play a role in supporting the body’s natural processes. Current investigational areas include:
- Cell differentiation → how stem cells may transform into specific types.
- Growth factor secretion → whether stem cells release molecules that influence repair environments.
- Tissue regeneration → exploring their role in natural recovery processes.
⚠️ Important Note: All of these applications remain investigational. Stem cell therapy is not FDA-approved for any medical purpose outside of hematology.
Educational Overview: Umbilical Cord–Derived Regenerative Components
Over the past several years, umbilical cord stem cell therapy has gained growing interest in regenerative medicine. These biologic materials—sometimes called “products of conception”—contain growth factors and cytokines that may support tissue repair and recovery.
Commonly used biologic sources include:
- Umbilical Cord: Connects mother and baby; rich in structural cells and natural growth factors.
- Umbilical Cord Blood: Contains hematopoietic stem cells used in blood and immune support.
- Wharton’s Jelly: Gel-like substance inside the umbilical cord containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins that promote regeneration.
- Placental Membrane: Provides natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties for tissue support.
- Amniotic Fluid: Rich in peptides and exosomes that may aid healing and cell communication.
Source classifications:
- Autogenic (Autologous): Derived from the patient’s own tissues (e.g., PRP or adipose-derived stem cells).
- Allogenic (Allograft): Derived from donor umbilical or placental tissue, screened and processed to remove DNA and ensure safety.
⚠️ Ethical Statement: None of these products involve embryonic stem cells or aborted fetal tissue. All materials are ethically sourced from full-term, healthy births with documented consent.
Stem Cells: What’s FDA-Approved vs. Investigational
FDA-approved uses:
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (bone marrow / cord blood) are FDA-approved for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, and for certain inherited blood and immune disorders.
- These are hospital-based, highly regulated procedures.
Investigational uses:
- Stem cells are being studied for congestive heart failure (CHF), pulmonary fibrosis, neurological conditions, orthopedic recovery, and more.
- These uses are not FDA-approved and remain investigational.
Regulatory Landscape: Florida and Other States
In the U.S., stem cell therapies outside of hematopoietic transplants are considered investigational under FDA rules.
- Florida (2025): Allows physicians to offer certain non–FDA-approved stem cell therapies (e.g., orthopedics, wound care, pain management) if they meet disclosure, consent, and cGMP sourcing requirements. Federal oversight still applies.
- Other states: Texas, Utah, and Mississippi have passed similar “medical freedom” laws, while Montana is considering expansion of experimental access. California, by contrast, invests heavily in regulated research through the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
⚠️ Note: State laws do not override FDA authority. Stem cell therapies outside of approved uses remain investigational.
Stem Cell Therapy Consultations at Alpha Hormones Pasadena
At our Pasadena clinic, patients can meet with licensed providers to explore investigational stem cell therapy options. Depending on consultation outcomes, methods discussed may include:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion — studied for systemic circulation.
- Localized injection — considered for specific areas of interest.
- Topical application — reviewed in certain investigational contexts.
Process
What patients report
Sourcing & quality
Monitoring
Concierge Access to International Research Programs
While investigational stem cell therapy in the U.S. is limited to minimally manipulated cells, some countries permit the use of expanded or manipulated stem cells prepared in cGMP-certified facilities.
At Alpha Hormones®, we provide a concierge service for patients interested in exploring overseas clinical research opportunities.
This may include:
- Coordinating with international research centers
- Educating patients about investigational protocols
- Explaining what is known, what is still being studied, and what remains uncertain
⚠️ These opportunities are outside the United States, regulated under their host countries, and remain investigational. They are not FDA-approved.
How Stem Cells and Exosomes Are Being Studied Together
Researchers are exploring potential synergies between stem cells and exosomes:
- Stem cells → provide a living cellular foundation, with potential for differentiation and renewal.
- Exosomes → act as messengers, carrying proteins, RNA, and growth factors that influence cell communication.
In some investigational settings, stem cells serve as the foundation, while exosomes may enhance signaling effects. Both remain investigational.
At Alpha Hormones®, our providers can help patients understand these concepts and discuss options available locally and internationally.
Patients who explore stem cell therapy often:
- Follow developments in regenerative and longevity medicine
- Want to learn about innovative but investigational options
- Value transparency and education from licensed providers
- Seek clear guidance on what is established versus still under research
Every patient begins with a one-on-one consultation to review their goals, medical history, and the current state of research.
Who Might Consider a Stem Cell Consultation?
Stem Cell Therapy FAQs
Insurance companies currently classify these therapies as investigational rather than standard treatment. It often takes 5–10 years for new medical technologies to be accepted by commercial payers or Medicare. Some states have begun covering regenerative procedures for Worker’s Compensation cases where they’ve shown success in helping patients return to work.
Alpha Hormones® offers financing and flexible payment options to make care accessible.
Currently, the FDA has not approved any umbilical or amniotic stem cell product for orthopedic, neurologic, or aesthetic use. These therapies are regulated under 21 CFR 1271 (HCT/P). Alpha Hormones® sources only from licensed, compliant, and ethical tissue banks.
- Support joint, tendon, and ligament healing
- Improve chronic inflammation and pain
- Encourage skin, hair, and tissue rejuvenation
- All procedures remain investigational and are customized to each patient’s case.
- Autologous: From your own body (e.g., PRP, fat-derived stem cells).
- Allograft: From ethically donated umbilical or placental tissue.
Yes. All products are screened, tested, and processed under FDA-registered standards. Procedures are performed by licensed Alpha Hormones® providers in a sterile clinical environment.
Response varies. Some patients notice early improvement within weeks; others experience gradual benefits over several months.
Via injection, IV infusion, or topical/microneedling depending on clinical goals.
Schedule Your Stem Cell Consultation in Pasadena
At Alpha Hormones®, our mission is to guide patients through regenerative and wellness options with safety, transparency, and personalized care.
✨ Interested in exploring investigational stem cell opportunities?
📅 Book your consultation today with one of our licensed providers in Pasadena.
Disclaimer
- Stem cell, exosome, and peptide therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease (except hematopoietic transplants for certain blood cancers and immune disorders).
- All content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
- No outcomes are guaranteed. Experiences vary.
- Overseas investigational opportunities involve manipulated stem cells from cGMP-certified facilities and are regulated under the laws of their host countries, not the U.S. FDA.
