Stem cell therapies


Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) transplant

Systemic autoimmune diseases can affect several types of tissues and internal organs. In some cases a stem cell transplant is proposed to stop disease progression.

The MATHEC team can offer Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell (CSH) transplants to individuals with the following autoimmune diseases:

  • Systemic Sclerosis (SSc)
    The efficacy of this treatment has been demonstrated in a large clinical trial – the ASTIS study. To learn more click here

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
    Information on this treatment is available in this document developed by the ForSeps association. Furthermore, a recent article in Le Monde Science et Médecine (February 2019) reports on stem cell therapy for MS in France. If you have Multiple Sclerosis and have continued to experience debilitating attacks despite the use of the most effective second-line treatments available (Tysabri, Rituximab, Ocrevus, Mitoxantrone), your referring neurologist could discuss opting for an autologous stem cell transplant with the MATHEC team during our bi-monthly national multidisciplinary consultation of specialists in autoimmune and auto-inflammatory diseases (National RCP MATHEC). For the procedure to follow, click here

  • Other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (IPDC) and myositis.

To learn more about autologous stem cell transplant:
Information booklet


Study Treatment: Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell (ESM) transplant from umbilical cord in the treatment of Systemic Lupus

This stem cell treatment is currently proposed as part of a clinical trial in people between the ages of 18 and 70 years with Systemic Lupus (SLE), who are resistant to first- and second-line SLE treatments (including oral Prednisone ≥ 6 mg / day (or equivalent) for at least 28 days and at least one or more immunosuppressive treatments: Endoxan, Cellcept …).

This treatment involves injecting patients with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Studies have shown that MSCs have immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive capabilities. These cells are able to regulate the immune system, resulting in therapeutic benefits for people with autoimmune diseases.

These MSCs were taken from the umbilical cord of a healthy donor and cultured. An infusion of MSCs is then administered to the person with Systemic Lupus (LES).

20 patients have been included and treated and in this research protocole and inclusions are now closed. For more information about the study progress, and post-transplant follow-up, please contact Ingrid Munia (ingrid.munia@aphp.fr).


Study Treatment: Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) Transplant in Systemic Sclerosis

MSC transplant is currently proposed within the context of an ongoing clinical trial in people between the ages of 18 and 70 years old with systemic sclerosis (SSc), who are refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatments, have contraindications for an Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) transplant, or who have experienced progression following HSC transplant. This research protocol is only available at Saint-Louis Hospital (Paris, France).

For this type of transplant, stem cells are taken from someone other than the patient. It is therefore necessary to identify a donor, preferably a family member (brother, sister, son, daughter, etc.).
The administrative procedure to follow by this donor involves signing a consent form for bone marrow donation, and to register this donation with the Tribunal de Grande Instance. Our team will provide you with the necessary documents and guide you through this process.

The bone marrow donation takes place during a short hospital stay (two or three days), during which the bone marrow is removed by puncture under a local anesthetic. This bone marrow is cultured in a cell therapy laboratory for approximately three weeks to isolate Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).

An infusion of these MSCs is administered to the person with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This procedure takes place in a room in the department of internal medicine and lasts between one and two hours.

20 patients have been included, treated and followed up in this research protocole and inclusions are now closed. For more detailed information, you can contact ingrid.munia@aphp.fr.

For more information on ongoing clinical trials including MSCs, please go to : http://http://mathec.com/en/2018/02/13/allogeneic-mesenchymal-stem-cell-grafts/