Stem Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Between medical hope and ethical regulation in Germany

In recent years, stem cell therapy (Stammzelltherapie) has taken center stage in medical research, especially for treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease.
In Germany, however, despite scientific progress, these treatments are governed by strict ethical standards and precise legal requirements.

What is stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases?
This approach is based on:

• destroying the malfunctioning immune system through intensive chemotherapy

• then rebuilding it by transplanting healthy stem cells taken either from the patient’s own blood (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic)

The goal is an immune-system “reset” so it stops attacking the body.

When is this therapy used?

• advanced, aggressive multiple sclerosis (Aggressive MS)

• drug-resistant systemic lupus (therapy-resistant lupus)

• severe immune-related bowel inflammation (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)

• rare autoimmune conditions (e.g., immune-related bone disorders)

This therapy is generally considered a last resort after standard treatments have failed, not a first-line alternative.

What ethical and legal rules apply in Germany?
Germany follows, among other laws, the Embryo Protection Act (Embryonenschutzgesetz) and the Stem Cell Act (Stammzellgesetz). Key rules include:

• prohibiting the use of embryonic stem cells for commercial purposes or unlicensed experiments

• allowing treatments mainly with autologous stem cells or umbilical cord blood–derived cells in a clearly defined medical context

• requiring approval by an ethics committee (Ethikkommission) before treatment begins

• requiring full documentation and informed consent (informed consent after medical briefing / Einwilligung nach Aufklärung)

Which centers are authorized to provide stem cell therapy?
Only a limited number of advanced (often university) centers perform these treatments within clinical trials or recognized treatment protocols, such as:

• Charité Berlin

• Heidelberg University Hospital (Uniklinik Heidelberg)

• University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)

• Klinikum rechts der Isar – Technical University of Munich (TU München)

Commercial advertising or offering treatment directly without comprehensive assessment is not permitted.

Cost and insurance

• Costs can reach €80,000 or more, depending on protocol and transplant type

• Standard health insurance typically covers this only in very rare cases

• For international patients, a detailed medical report and an official cost estimate are usually required before starting

Can patients from outside Germany receive treatment?
Yes, but:

• a full medical file with recent reports is required

• the case must be reviewed by a scientific/medical committee

• medical necessity must be proven after other options have failed

• advance payment and financial guarantees may be required

Frequently asked questions
Is this treatment safe?
Not completely. It involves risks related to chemotherapy and immune suppression, but it can be life-saving in severe cases.

Is it used for diabetes or rheumatism?
Generally not yet in Germany, as research is still largely experimental.

Conclusion
Stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases in Germany reflects a careful balance between therapeutic hope and ethical compliance. It is offered only under strict medical frameworks and specialized oversight.
If you are considering this option, start by compiling your medical records and request an official evaluation from an approved center.

The writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources; however, errors or unconfirmed details may occur. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.