Stem cell therapy treatment for autism in Pakistan

Yes, there is news and research on stem cell therapy for autism in Pakistan, primarily centered around institutions like IRM Hospital in Islamabad, which offers a “holistic approach” and claims improvements in patient outcomes. While this is presented as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), some sources note that stem cell therapy is not a cure, and studies are still ongoing to investigate its effects on communication and social skills.

• IRM Hospital, Islamabad: This hospital is actively promoting stem cell therapy for autism, describing it as a “holistic approach”.
  • The treatment involves administering stem cells intravenously and intrathecally, along with exosomes, nutritional support, and cold laser therapy.
  • They also offer intranasal stem cell therapy, which involves a nasal spray similar to a decongestant.
  • The hospital claims that some patients have reported improvements, such as reduced symptoms or even remission.

• Research collaborations:

• Stem cell therapy research in Pakistan is reportedly happening in collaboration with international institutes, focusing on areas like mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

• Academic papers:

• A paper co-authored by researchers at a Pakistan-based organization and an American company has been published on Taylor & Francis Online, discussing the “Promise of Autologous and Allogeneic Cellular Therapies” for autism.

Important considerations about stem cell therapy treatment for autism

• Not a cure:

• While promising, stem cell therapy is not considered a cure for autism, and ongoing research is necessary to fully understand its potential benefits.

• Focus on symptom management:

•  The therapy aims to support healthy brain development and improve some challenges associated with ASD, such as social interaction and repetitive behaviors.

• Variability of outcomes:

• Patient outcomes can vary, and the hospital has cited reports of improvements ranging from symptom reduction to complete remission.

• Need for more research:

• Stem cell therapy for autism is still an area of active research globally, with many studies ongoing to establish its efficacy and safety.