Comparative Analysis of Stem Cells (MSCs) and MUSE Cells

Authored by Dr Kirk Sanford. At Longevity Medical Institute (LMI), we are proud to be leaders in this revolution. Our regenerative platform is built on five different types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), each with its own unique strengths, and enhanced by exosomes, the tiny messengers that amplify regenerative signals. Some patients may have heard of MUSE cells, a rare and experimental cell population that’s been generating buzz in research circles. They sound impressive — but do they really live up to the hype?

The Power of Regeneration

A Comparative Analysis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and MUSE Cells

Stem cell therapy is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern medicine. For decades, healthcare has relied on symptom management. These approaches can provide relief, but they rarely address the root cause. Stem cells have the power to change that. By harnessing the body’s own repair machinery, they make it possible to stimulate true tissue regeneration. For patients facing not only chronic joint pain or tendon injuries, but also neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, and degenerative diseases, stem cell therapy represents a fundamental shift — from simply controlling symptoms to actually restoring function and promoting healing at the source. At Longevity Medical Institute (LMI) , we are proud to be leaders in this revolution. Our regenerative platform is built on five different types of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) , each with its own unique strengths, and enhanced by exosomes , the tiny messengers that amplify regenerative signals. Some patients may have heard of MUSE cells , a rare and experimental cell population that’s been generating buzz in research circles. They sound impressive — but do they really live up to the hype? The answer is clear: for the vast majority of patients — around 90% — MUSE cells are not better than MSCs. They remain unproven and impractical for routine patient care. For the rare 10% of cases such as stroke or acute heart attack, MUSE cells may one day play a role, but even here, the science is in its infancy. Introduction: The Promise of Stem Cells

Our Stem Cell Toolkit

At Longevity Medical Institute , we don’t rely on a single source of stem cells. Each type offers unique properties, and by carefully selecting or combining them, we provide the most comprehensive and effective regenerative care.

We cultivate in our in-house lab five primary types:

MSCs 01 MSCs 03 MSCs 05

Wharton’s Jelly MSCs 02

Placental

MSCs 04

Adipose-derived

Endometrial

Dental Pulp

This diverse toolkit allows us to match the right cell type to the right condition, supporting a wide range of needs. Broadly, stem cell therapy at LMI is applied across musculoskeletal repair, neurological support, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, vascular and metabolic health, and advanced cosmetic and anti-aging medicine.

MSCs and Exosomes: Two Partners in Healing

MSCs are powerful on their own, but their true magic lies in how they communicate. They act like a “living pharmacy,” releasing hundreds of healing molecules into their environment. Exosomes are the nanosized carriers that deliver this cargo directly into surrounding cells.

At LMI, we harness both. By combining MSCs with exosomes, we amplify the healing process in two ways: the cells themselves orchestrate repair, while the exosomes carry concentrated repair instructions deeper into the tissue. Patients often notice faster relief of pain, better functional recovery, and longer-lasting improvements when MSCs and exosomes are used together.

This two-tiered strategy is what makes LMI’s regenerative care unique and so effective.

At Longevity Medical Institute, patients come to us with a wide spectrum of needs—ranging from arthritis, tendon injuries, and spine degeneration to systemic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and age-related decline. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are uniquely suited for these challenges because they arise from the same embryonic layer that forms bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle, and connective tissues, while also exerting powerful whole-body effects. How MSCs Work: Local Repair and Whole-Body Renewal

That’s why we utilize MSCs through two equally important approaches:

Targeted joint injections deliver MSCs directly where repair is needed. By calming inflammation, resetting the immune system, and recruiting the body’s own local stem cells, they create an environment for true healing. Patients often experience not only pain relief but also restored mobility and lasting improvements in function—something cortisone or “lubricant shots” cannot achieve. Intravenous (IV) infusions circulate MSCs throughout the body, where their immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects support vascular and metabolic health, reduce systemic inflammation, and balance immune responses. This whole-body therapy helps patients feel more energetic, recover faster, and experience greater vitality—making it an ideal complement to localized repair.

By combining these two delivery methods, we ensure patients receive the full spectrum of regenerative benefits—addressing both specific sites of damage and the overall environment of health and aging.

MUSE Cells: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

But here’s the reality: MUSE cells remain largely experimental. Clinical trials to date have been small, conducted mostly in Japan, and limited to conditions like stroke, heart attack, and ALS. Manufacturing them is slow and costly, and no large-scale or orthopedic-focused trials have been completed. Unlike MSCs, they have not been applied in musculoskeletal medicine, anti-aging therapies, or widely available clinical protocols. MUSE (Multilineage-differentiating Stress-Enduring) cells are a rare subpopulation first identified in 2010. They represent only 1–3% of the MSC population and can be enriched by exposing tissue samples to stress, which selects for this hardy group of cells. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells, they are naturally occurring and do not require genetic reprogramming. In theory, MUSE cells are attractive because they are stress-resistant, can survive in harsh environments such as stroke-damaged tissue, and display pluripotent-like qualities—meaning they can differentiate into multiple tissue types. Importantly, studies show they are non-tumorigenic, which has made them a focus of early clinical research.

MUSE cells are fascinating in the lab. But in the clinic, they are still unproven, difficult to scale, and years away from broad therapeutic use.

Is This Just LMI Saying This Because We Don’t Offer MUSE?

Some patients might ask:

“Is LMI criticizing MUSE cells only because you don’t have them?”

The answer is NO.

Through our partnership with the Institute of Cellular Therapy (ITC)—the leading stem cell production facility and the only licensed biotechnology laboratory in Los Cabos operating under GMP and ISO certification—we are aligned with the most advanced cellular laboratory in the region. ITC has already achieved the successful production of MUSE cells, further underscoring its pioneering role in regenerative medicine.

If we wanted to, we could make MUSE cells available. But here is the crucial fact: ITC itself has not recommended offering them to patients.

The reason is simple — the research and safety have not caught up. While MSCs have been proven safe and effective across decades of studies and tens of thousands of patient treatments, MUSE cells remain experimental, with only a handful of human studies and virtually no data for the orthopedic or anti-aging conditions that represent the majority of patient needs.

At LMI, we only offer what is safe, proven, and effective. That’s why we stand by MSCs, not MUSE.

The Evidence: MSCs vs. MUSE Cells

The difference in research depth is staggering.

MSCs have been studied for more than 50 years , with over 80,000 scientific publications and more than 1,500 clinical trials worldwide. Tens of thousands of patients have already received MSC treatments safely across multiple indications, from arthritis and orthopedic repair to autoimmune disorders and anti-aging.

MUSE cells, by comparison, were only identified in 2010. Fewer than 600 scientific papers exist on them, and fewer than 10 small clinical trials have been conducted, mostly in Japan. In total, fewer than 200 patients worldwide have received MUSE cells in a research context, and none of these trials have focused on musculoskeletal repair.

For patients, this means one thing: MSCs are among the most validated, trusted, and widely applied cell therapies in medicine. MUSE cells are still an interesting laboratory discovery.

Conclusion: The Right Cells for the Right Patients

At Longevity Medical Institute, our responsibility is to provide patients with therapies that are not only cutting-edge but also safe, effective, and backed by evidence. That’s why we’ve built our regenerative platform around five MSC sources — placental, Wharton’s jelly, adipose, endometrial, and dental pulp — and enhanced it with exosomes to maximize their effect.

We choose MSCs because:

They are natural and abundant, isolated directly from human tissues without genetic reprogramming.

They are safe, with decades of global research and tens of thousands of patients treated worldwide.

They are clinically relevant, with the strongest body of evidence for arthritis, orthopedic injuries, tendon and ligament repair, autoimmune balance, systemic inflammation, and longevity medicine.

They are proven at scale, with regulatory-approved MSC products already in use internationally, confirming both manufacturability and clinical utility.

They are supported by overwhelming data: 50+ years of study, 80,000+ papers, 1,500+ trials, and widespread real-world application.

By comparison, MUSE cells are scientifically intriguing but still early-stage. While they are naturally occurring, stress-tolerant, and non-tumorigenic in studies, clinical research is limited (<600 papers, <10 trials, and only a few hundred patients worldwide). To date, their use has focused on conditions like stroke and heart attack, with no substantial evidence in orthopedics, musculoskeletal repair, or anti-aging.

MSCs vs. MUSE Cells at a Glance

Category

MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells)

Discovery

1960s–1970s, extensively studied

2010, relatively new discovery

Placenta, Wharton’s jelly, adipose, endometrium, dental pulp (abundant, scalable) Isolated directly, no reprogramming required Decades of global use; tens of thousands of patients; strong safety data 80,000+ papers, 1,500+ clinical trials

Rare subpopulation of MSCs (~1–3%)

Source

Enriched via stress-based selection methods

Preparation

Preclinical and early human trials suggest non-tumorigenic, but limited patient data

Safety Profile

<600 papers, <10 clinical trials

Evidence Base

Multiple approved products worldwide (e.g., Japan, South Korea)

Regulatory Use

No regulatory approvals to date

Arthritis, orthopedic repair, autoimmune, systemic inflammation, anti-aging Readily available, consistent, scalable

Stroke, heart attack, ALS, spinal cord injury (early-stage)

Clinical Focus

Rare, costly to manufacture, low yield

Practicality

Safe, proven, and effective for broad patient needs

Promising but experimental; not yet ready for routine use

Status Today

Buyer Beware: MUSE Cells in Mexico

MUSE cells are not approved by COFEPRIS or any major regulator. They remain experimental and should only be given within carefully monitored clinical trials.

Yet some clinics in Mexico advertise MUSE therapies as if they are proven and approved. This is misleading and potentially dangerous.

Here’s why:

No regulatory approval – Any use today is outside official oversight.

Unproven science – Fewer than 10 clinical trials exist worldwide, none in orthopedics or anti-aging.

Quality concerns – Many providers cannot show GMP-level sourcing, testing, or safety validation.

Marketing hype – Some exploit regulatory gaps, offering “MUSE” products without scientific backing.

If someone offers you MUSE therapy outside a verified research trial, be cautious. Until the science and regulation catch up, MUSE cells are more hype than healthcare.

The bottom line is simple:

✅ MSCs = the proven backbone of regenerative medicine today ❌ MUSE = interesting science, but not ready for clinical reality

At LMI, we choose science over speculation, safety over shortcuts, and proven results over premature hype. That is why patients trust us to deliver the future of medicine — responsibly.

San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico Call or SMS (US & Canada): 1-833-LMI-CABO WhatsApp International: +52 624 237 1594 Visit: longevity-institute.com Contact Us

Important Disclosure

In San Jose del Cabo (B.C.S), Mexico, where we conduct these treatments, our clinic operates under the regulatory oversight of COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios), which is Mexico's equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). COFEPRIS ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical treatments and healthcare practices. Our clinic is licensed by COFEPRIS, guaranteeing that our treatments meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy. While our stem cell and other therapies are approved by COFEPRIS, they are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Patients considering these treatments should be aware of this distinction. As with any medical treatment, there are risks involved, and individual outcomes may vary. It is important to consult with your physician, thoroughly research the therapies, and carefully consider these risks before undergoing any stem cell or regenerative therapy.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This site is not intended for the promotion or solicitation of services to audiences where such promotion may conflict with local regulations, including the United States and Canada. If you have questions or concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. All therapies and treatments discussed are subject to applicable laws and regulations and may not be available in all regions. We encourage all patients to conduct their own research, consult with their healthcare providers, and make informed decisions based on the best available information.

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