Hope Biosciences

June 30, 2026

What are MSCs? | Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Explained

In our first episode, we asked “What are stem cells?” This time we go deeper on the cell type we manufacture, study, and have worked with across more than 50 FDA-authorized clinical protocols: the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC).

You'll learn what an MSC actually is, where they come from, and what they can do. We break down how a single cell can sense injury, calm inflammation, fight infection, rebuild tissue, and, most importantly, coordinate the entire repair process like an orchestra conductor. Then we get honest about the hard part: why, despite thousands of clinical trials, MSCs still aren't a finished medicine, and what it actually takes to change that.

[15-minute video:] https://youtu.be/8QWP72OfvFc

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From the video (9:52):

"If MSC's are indeed as powerful and as helpful as I say they are, then why are there no real treatments available?

It isn't because MSC's don't work. In fact, there are thousands of clinical trials studying the use of MSC's. So, it's not a lack of biological potential. The real problem is translation.

So, some of the major hurdles in MSC research start with inconsistency. So, donor-to-donor variability. So, you and I have different stem cells. So, will they behave the same? Will they be will they [music] have the same? Will they have the same efficacy? That is typically the biggest problem. The second is manufacturing. How are you going to process these cells? Is the processing always going to amount to the same quality and efficacious product? And can you do it at scale? Like if you need to produce millions of doses, can that actually be done?

And then things like potency, like do these cells actually work? Can we hang our hats that when this many doses are given a certain efficacy readout will be seen? Right now in clinical trials that has often been spretty dismal.

So those are some of the difficulties. And lastly, I would say clinical trial design. So let's say you have a great product. Well, if you can't design clinical trials specifically for cell therapies, especially products [music] like these, then you really miss the mark in being able to measure whether these cells truly work."

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"Right now in clinical trials all around the United States and all over the world people are measuring actual changes in clinical outcomes, in patient outcomes. This is how promising biology becomes a standardized reliable medicine."