Exosomes are a type of very small "extracellular vesicle" secreted by cells. They contain various substances such as proteins, mRNA and miRNA, and are known to be involved in communication between cells.
In recent years, research has been progressing on how extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, relate to tissue repair, inflammation, age-related changes and other areas.
At our clinic, we offer IV therapy using StemSup®, a stem cell culture supernatant containing exosomes, as self-pay treatment (not covered by health insurance).
What is stem cell culture supernatant?
Stem cell culture supernatant is the upper, liquid portion (supernatant) of the culture medium obtained in the process of culturing stem cells.
The culture supernatant does not contain the stem cells themselves; it contains various bioactive substances secreted by the stem cells, such as exosomes, cytokines and growth factors.
Please note that although the name "exosome IV infusion" is commonly used, the StemSup® used at our clinic is not a preparation of purified exosomes alone, but a stem cell culture supernatant that contains exosomes.
StemSup® used at our clinic
Our clinic uses the following two types of StemSup® stem cell culture supernatant.
Adipose tissue-derived stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup-A)
A culture supernatant obtained in the process of culturing mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue. It contains various bioactive substances, including exosomes, cytokines and growth factors.
Umbilical cord tissue-derived stem cell culture supernatant (StemSup-UC)
A culture supernatant obtained in the process of culturing mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue. It differs from the adipose tissue-derived product in aspects such as the composition of the bioactive substances it contains.
After checking your wishes, condition and other factors, we will advise you on which culture supernatant to use.
* StemSup® is a registered trademark of Nihon Bio Therapy Kenkyusho Co., Ltd. (株式会社日本バイオセラピー研究所). StemSup® is a reagent for research use. It is used on the instructions of a doctor.
About this treatment
Exosomes and stem cell culture supernatants are currently the subject of basic and clinical research in various fields, including age-related changes, tissue repair and inflammation.
On the other hand, treatment in which exosomes or stem cell culture supernatant are administered intravenously is not a standard treatment whose efficacy and safety have been sufficiently established.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has also made it publicly known that, at present, there are no pharmaceuticals involving exosomes or similar substances whose efficacy and safety have been demonstrated and that have received regulatory approval for manufacture and sale.
At our clinic, we explain these points to you and provide this treatment as self-pay treatment, under examination by a doctor.
Treatment process
After you book an appointment, the doctor will check your current health, medical history, oral medications and other information.
We will explain the treatment and the stem cell culture supernatant, and if you wish to receive the treatment, we will give the IV infusion. If any change in your condition is observed during or after the infusion, the doctor will respond as necessary.
Fees
| Preparation | Per ampoule (tax incl.) |
|---|---|
| Adipose-derived (StemSup-A) | ¥55,000 |
| Umbilical cord-derived (StemSup-UC) | ¥77,000 |
Side effects and risks
The IV infusion may cause pain, swelling, bruising or similar reactions at the puncture site. Allergic reactions to the administered components, fever, chills, fatigue and other reactions may also occur.
Treatments using stem cell culture supernatants, exosomes and similar substances are relatively new forms of medical care, and some aspects, including long-term safety, have not yet been fully clarified.
If you notice any change in your condition after treatment, please contact our clinic promptly.
Who cannot receive this treatment
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with drug allergies
- People undergoing treatment for cancer or a malignant tumor
If you have any allergies or are taking any medications, you must inform and consult the doctor before treatment.
Blood donation
For the preparations used in this treatment, the presence of unknown viruses that cannot be detected by current testing methods cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, just as after receiving a blood transfusion, please take care not to donate blood after receiving this treatment.
This treatment is self-pay treatment and is not covered by health insurance.
The products used in treatments with stem cell culture supernatants, exosomes and similar substances are not pharmaceuticals approved in Japan for the purpose of this treatment.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare states that, at present, there are no pharmaceuticals involving exosomes or similar substances whose efficacy and safety have been demonstrated and that have received regulatory approval for manufacture and sale.
The effects of treatment vary from person to person, and no effect is guaranteed.