Our IRB-approved protocol consists of a two-day period including the IV transplant of 300 million cord tissue-derived MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells), as well as a variety of therapies designed to aid in stem cell activation and potency.
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Diabetes (Type 1)
In the 21st Century, stem cells have become an integral piece in the search for an innovative method to treat Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and to move away from regular insulin injections for patients. Their ability to morph or “differentiate” into different types of cells in the body makes stem cells a prime candidate to combat the condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In general, diabetes is caused by the body’s lack of functioning beta cells or b-cells. In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system actively destroys its supply of b-cells. In Type 2 diabetes, the body’s b-cells can no longer produce sufficient levels of insulin to overcome the developed insulin resistance. Challenges to find a cure for diabetes have largely revolved around finding a method to replace or replenish b-cells.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of b-cells in the body due to immunosuppression. In the past, the most effective treatment was a b-cell transplant to increase the number of healthy b-cells in a patient. However, this procedure was undesirable for a multitude of reasons. The minimal number of b-cells required for a single transplant required 2-3 healthy donors. Additionally, the regimen of immunosuppressive drugs required to prevent the body from rejecting the donor cells was strenuous for the recipient.
Stem cell therapy for diabetes aims to increase the amount of new b-cells without the negative effects of a transplant. After being introduced into a patient, the stem cells migrate to the damaged tissue, differentiate into new b-cells, and continue to maintain a healthy level of b-cells in the body. Alternatively, stem cells can be lab grown and induced into becoming insulin producing cells. These cells could then directly replenish depleted cells in a patient’s body. With these methods, Type 1 diabetes could be successfully managed without the need for the limited supply of donor cells.
TREATMENT DETAILS
Our IRB-approved protocol consists of a two-day period including the IV transplant of 300 million cord tissue-derived MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells), as well as a variety of therapies designed to aid in stem cell activation and potency (musculoskeletal rehabilitation, acupuncture, lymphatic massage).
Our protocol is minimally invasive to the patient and has very little downtime. Patients normally travel home the day following their scheduled appointment.
The therapeutic uses of stem cells as a potential therapy for a variety of diseases has been immensely explored, the number of clinical trials conducted with Mesenchymal Stem Cells has increased exponentially over the past few years.
The stated primary goal of our protocol is the marked reduction in the levels of chronic low-grade inflammation for an extended period of time.
Stem cells have a unique, intrinsic property that attracts them to inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that stem cells can regenerate damaged or diseased tissues, reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system promoting better health and quality of life.
Depending on the primary ailment or initial condition of the patient, the effects of stem cell therapy can lead to a reduction in harmful symptoms, stabalization of condition and a significant quality of life improvement.
300 million cord tissue-derived mesenchymal (live) stem cells. Delivered systemically via intravenous injection (IV).
To ensure the body is hydrated and fully prepared for treatment.
We will guide you through the pre-treatment detox regime in order to prepare your body for optimal stem cell activation.
A musculoskeletal assessment, followed by acupuncture & physiotherapy. Lymphatic drainage massage is also utilized.
A 2 month supply of Stemulife™ supplements. An all natural supplement aimed at increasing stem cell effectiveness following treatment.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Improve Bodies Natural Healing Ability
Patients Report Significant Improvement
Timely, Safe, Regulated Protocol
OUR
OUR STEM CELL PRODUCT
Our protocol involves the systemic administration of 300 million Mesenchymal Stem Cells derived from American Association of Tissue Bank (AATB) certified suppliers of full term (>36 weeks), donated human umbilical cords.
DVC Stem is partnered with an award-winning medical laboratory located in Golden, Colorado, which is fully FDA registered, cGMP compliant, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 certified. All of our cells are expanded using safe and standard protocols and are then flown overnight in sub-zero CryoPort™ containers directly to our clinic for treatment. To ensure maximum treatment effectiveness, all of our cells are ISCT tested for viability prior to use. To ensure maximum treatment effectiveness, our mesenchymal stem cells are expanded to 300 million viable units before being administered.
Our partner lab only uses American Association of Tissue Bank (AATB) certified suppliers of full-term (>36 weeks), donated human umbilical cords. The selection of these donated tissues is extremely regulated and strict. The cords are tested for STDs, Hep A/B/C/D, TB, Zika virus, no history of cancer or chronic illness, no history of autoimmune diseases, no tattoos or piercings, no travel abroad with one year, no history of CJD, negative for HIV, negative for HTLV 1 AND 2, and no history of drug or alcohol abuse. After the tissue is vigorously screened and accepted, our partner lab then uses their clinical-grade and award-winning proprietary culture medium to expand the stem cells out to roughly 300 million cells per treatment.
All of our cells are tested to International Society Cell & Gene Therapy (ISCT) standards for viability to ensure they meet minimum QA requirements multiple times before treatment. These reports can be provided to the patient for their review upon request.
Cells are rigorously tested for potency, blood-borne pathogens, contaminating agents, fungal presence, cellular ATP levels, and proper growth rates. The entire production process is completed in a certified sterile clean room, which must meet all regulations by the FDA, ISO, and CLIA.
Cord-tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells do not face immune rejection within the body. These are primal, immune-privileged, undifferentiated cells. There are no blood products associated with them either, removing the need for a donor match; they are accepted universally.
Umbilical cord tissue is a natural bi-product of child birth, but also rich in mesenchymal stem cells which can be used to help heal, regenerate, and treat a variety of conditions.
Cord-tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells do not face immune rejection within the body. They are youthful, immuno-privileged, undifferentiated cells that have yet to be “claimed.” There are also no blood products associated with them, removing the need for HLA matching; cord tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells are universally accepted.
Recent studies have shown that although stem cells can be found in every living person, their numbers and potency can diminish with age. Additionally, cells sourced from the tissues of those patients with autoimmune/degenerative conditions may contain components of those disorders, detracting from the effectiveness of their use in treatments. Cord tissue derived stem cells bypass both of these issues, while remaining minimally invasive to the patient, and always available for immediate use.
Learn more about our partner lab Vitro Biopharma here
OUR
TREATMENT SCHEDULE
Our treatment consists over a two-day period which includes the systemic intravenous (IV) transplant of 300 Million cord tissue-derived MSCs, as well as a variety of therapies designed to aid stem cell activation. The procedure is minimally invasive (single IV transfusion) and has very little downtime. Most patients are able to travel the day after treatment. Day one and four are included to account for travel days, the minimum amount of time spent in Grand Cayman should be no less than 4 days.
Arrival in Grand Cayman.
Meet the team, complete physical assessments & supporting therapies.
Stem cell infusion & additional activation therapies.
Follow-up physical & departure.
The stem cell infusion will include the intravenous (IV) transplant of 300 million cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells are only administered by our Medical Director, over the course of a few hours to ensure proper circulation and maximum control over the procedure. The infusion occurs at our facility in our VIP treatment room, with a private adjacent space for resting and recuperation post-treatment.
Our protocol utlizes additional therapies prior to and post-treatment to help activate natural stem cell production within the body. We aim to position the patient into an optimal state to receive the influx of new stem cells.
The supporting therapies that are included in our protocol are:
• Musculoskeletal Assessment
• Physiotherapy Treatment
• Immune Balancing Acupuncture
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• IV Vitamin Therapy
LOUIS A. CONA, MD
Our Medical Director, Dr. Cona is the treatment performing physician here at DVC Stem. We make sure to schedule no more that 2 patients per day so every patient has our full undivided attention during the treatment process.
Dr. Cona has been a pioneer in regenerative cell therapy, providing the first stem cell treatments in the Cayman Islands over a decade ago.
He continues to research alternative therapies for various medical conditions, and with IRB certified clinical trials, he has treated local and international patients successfully for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation which is part of the overall Aging Process, as well as many other degenerative conditions.
Dr. Cona is certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Practitioners and is also a member of the World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (WAAAM). He is also a recognized member of the British Medical Association, the General Medical Council (UK), the Caribbean College of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
IRB Approved Protocol
Day Treatment
Million MSCs
Years of Stem Cell Experience
OUR
OUR CLINIC
DVC Stem is located in Grand Cayman, a small island paradise in the Caribbean. As a British Overseas Territory, healthcare regulations are extremely strict, on par with the US, UK, and EU. Additionally, our entire medical staff is fully registered and licensed, and our stem cell protocols are IRB reviewed and approved by a board in the United States. The Cayman Islands is a safe, English-speaking British Overseas Territory and hosts over 2 million tourists a year.
There are many direct flights to Grand Cayman from major cities in the United States, Canada and Europe. DVC Stem is located within the Da Vinci Centre a large modern medical facility directly on Seven Mile Beach.
As a British Overseas Territory, healthcare regulations are extremely strict, on par with the US, UK, and EU.
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DVC Stem is partnered with an award-winning medical laboratory located in Golden, Colorado, which is fully FDA registered, cGMP compliant, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 certified.
Every patient is under constant supervision by our Medical Director and two registered nurses.
Our patient management team will happily guide you through the onboarding process.
Our clinic is located directly on the world famous Seven Mile Beach, one block away from the Ritz Carlton Resort.
UNDERSTANDING TREATMENT GOALS
"We measure inflammation markers and telomere length both pre and post treatment. We also follow up with patients at 3, 6, 9 and 12 month mark intervals with vitality questionnaires. These are extremely important because they enable us to measure patient satisfaction in relation to treatment efficacy."
- Louis A. Cona, MD
We only offer treatments for conditions that have medical research backing positive results and no harmful side effects. Dozens of studies have shown the efficacy of stem cell therapies for various degenerative diseases, and we have had great success from our past patients. Patients normally experience an increase in mobility, sensation, balance, strength, & energy along with a reduction in stress and pain levels.
However, it is impossible to guarantee any specific result for an individual, as every person’s body is unique and will respond in different ways.
Our official treatment protocol does not require that patients repeat treatment. Our goal is to help manage symptoms and slow progression, so that our patients won't have to return. To date, we have had no patient reports of a worsening of their condition within 1 year of treatment.
Approximately 82% of first-time patients report a significant improvement in their condition within the first 6 months following their treatment date.
We administer over 300 million cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. DVC Stem is partnered with an award-winning medical laboratory located in Golden, Colorado, USA, which is fully FDA registered, cGMP compliant, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 certified. Cells are only sourced from the American Association of Tissue Bank (AATB) certified suppliers of full-term, ethically US donated human umbilical cords. The selection of these donated tissues is extremely regulated and strict. All of our cells are expanded using safe and standard protocols and are then flown overnight in sub-zero containers directly to our clinic for immediate treatment. To ensure maximum treatment effectiveness, our cells are expanded to as much as 300 million cells before being administered.
Stem cells are cells that have the ability to become many different cell types in the human body. Stem cells have the ability to replace damaged or diseased tissue. Mesenchymal cord tissue-derived stem cells have an extremely high rate of differentiation and immune modulation. MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) can provide regenerative results through seeking out areas of damage, paracrine signalling, regulating immune responses, and positively affecting human microbiology. MSCs are also immune privileged meaning the body will not reject them.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive clinical evidence, the United States still has very strict regulations and laws against stem cell treatments. While you may find many clinics in the US offering “stem cell therapies”, these therapies are highly restricted in scope and number of cells used. It is currently not legal to obtain expanded allogeneic treatment inside the US. The expansion is what allows the high cell numbers needed for effective treatment. DVC Stem seeks to provide patients with safe and effective treatments, in a luxurious and beautiful setting.
DVC Stem is located in the beautiful island paradise of Grand Cayman. We are only a short 45 minute flight from Miami & our clinic is situated directly across from the world famous Seven Mile Beach.
It is important to note that DVC Stem sources cells from a FDA registered, cGMP compliant, ISO 9001, and ISO 13485 certified lab in the United States. This means that the patient receives only the highest quality, regulated mesenchymal cord tissue-derived stem cells. We are highly regulated by the Cayman Islands government, and legally able to provide expanded cell therapy.
When looking for a reputable stem cell therapy clinic it is important to ask them; where their cells come from, how many cells you will receive and what sort of treatment protocol they follow. It is important to note that under-regulated clinics can extract stem cells from a variety of sources, not all of which are safe & effective.
We only offer treatments for conditions that have years of medical research backing positive results with harmful side effects. Dozens of studies have shown the efficacy of stem cell therapies for various degenerative diseases, and we have had great success from our past patients.
Our stem cell therapy aims to regenerate degraded tissue, modulate the immune system, promote anti-inflammatory mechanisms and improve overall quality of life.
Patients have reported improvements in energy levels, mobility, strength, balance, symptom management and aesthetics.
We require all prospective patients to fill out our patient application form. This will allow our medical director to better understand your candidacy for treatment as well as what you hope to achieve with stem cell therapy. Once this has been completed you will receive an email with further instructions. If you are ready to begin the process you can apply for treatment here.
Study Database
Find peer-reviewed studies categorized by condition to learn more about the real world outcomes of stem cell therapy. This database will be periodically updated with new studies as they are published.
Park Place Plaza, West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands PO Box 31000 KY1-1205
Disclaimer: stem cell therapies are constantly being researched and developed, with many promising results recorded every day. However, no cellular therapies are widely considered standard practice as of today. No treatment offered by DVC Stem is intended as a cure for any condition, disease, or injury. All statements and opinions provided by this website are provided for educational and informational purposes only, and we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of any treatment on any one individual. The results will vary for each patient. It is vital that each potential patient does their own research based on the options we provide so that they can make an informed decision on treatment.
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