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Some Therapies Still Experimental

While Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Micro-Fat (M-Fat) Cell Therapies are being extensively researched, the studies on them have not yet been completed—whereas the studies on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)* have been completed. And so despite initial studies showing some advantages over PRP, the use of Cell Therapies including BMAC and M-Fat are still considered experimental.

Despite initial studies showing some advantages over Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), the use of Cell Therapies including Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Micro-Fat (M-Fat) are still considered experimental. While both therapies are being extensively researched, the studies on them have not yet been completed whereas the studies on PRP have been.

Legal Landscape

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a critical role in regulating biologic treatments—ensuring that patients have access to safe and effective treatments and differentiating between legal and illegal options.

The FDA currently allows treatment using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), and Micro-Fat (M-Fat). PRP has been allowed to be used for musculoskeletal conditions since 2009, and since 2018, there have been enough studies published on PRP to deem it as no longer experimental—even though your insurance company may tell you otherwise.

You may be offered products from umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, Warton’s Jelly or some other source, however, all of these are considered illegal by the FDA. Rigorous studies have confirmed that since these products are not from your body, they must go through a sterilization process that kills all the viable cells—thus rendering these products ineffective. If you are offered any of these illegal products, you should report this to the FDA.

Other Articles in the “Use of Biologics for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions” Series:

• Understanding Biologics
• Biologics as Regenerative Medicine
• The Healing Potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma
• Challenges Facing the Use of Biologics
• The Role of Exercise
• Series Summary & Takeaways
   

Article Series: Use of Biologics for Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions
From your spine and sports medicine expert Dr. Michael C. Geraci, Jr., MD PT.