What Is Autologous MSC Secretome?
This is a cell-free regenerative approach that uses signals derived from your own mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Rather than injecting living cells, the therapy delivers the secretome - the growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles those cells produce (see our MSC Secretome page for the underlying science).
"Autologous" means the source material comes from you. Cells are collected from one of your hair follicles - a simple, minimally invasive collection - and cryopreserved through Acorn cell banking, then used to generate a personalized secretome preparation. Because the product is derived from your own cells and contains no living cells at the time of injection, it is designed to sidestep concerns about immune rejection and cell survival.
Why an Autologous, Cell-Free Approach?
Different biologic sources have trade-offs. Donor (allogeneic) products introduce another person's tissue and variable manufacturing. Living-cell therapies raise questions about cell survival and consistency. An autologous, cell-free secretome is being explored as a way to combine a personalized source with the practical advantages of a signal-only preparation.
The collection method is a practical advantage as well. These cells are sourced from a hair follicle, which is far less invasive than the two traditional autologous sources: bone marrow, which requires a needle aspiration and often sedation, and fat, which requires a minor liposuction (lipoaspiration) procedure. A follicle can be collected simply and comfortably. Whether this approach translates into better outcomes is exactly what careful study is meant to answer.
What Is It Being Studied For?
Dr. Rahman is studying autologous MSC secretome for knee osteoarthritis, with an initial focus on adults with mild-to-moderate arthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3) who have not gotten lasting relief from physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or prior injections such as cortisone or hyaluronic acid. It is being evaluated within a structured research framework rather than offered as a proven treatment.
How Is the Procedure Done?
- Collection and banking - cells are collected from a hair follicle, a minimally invasive alternative to bone-marrow aspiration or fat lipoaspiration, and cryopreserved through Acorn.
- Preparation - a secretome product is generated from your banked cells.
- Injection - the preparation is delivered into the knee under ultrasound guidance in the office.
The optional cell-banking step also preserves your cells for possible future use.
What to Expect and Possible Risks
Expect a short outpatient visit. Mild post-injection soreness or swelling for a few days is the most common effect. As with any joint injection there is a low risk of infection or bleeding. Individual results vary, and there is no guaranteed outcome.
Evidence and Regulatory Status
Autologous secretome therapy for orthopedic conditions is investigational and is not FDA-approved to treat osteoarthritis. Early human data on secretome and related biologics support short-term safety but do not yet prove superiority over standard injections. Dr. Rahman will review candidly what is known and unknown before you decide.
FAQ
What does "autologous secretome" mean? It means the therapy uses signals made from your own cells, banked through Acorn, and delivered without any living cells - a personalized, cell-free approach.
Who is this being studied in? The current focus is adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis who have already tried conservative care and injections without lasting relief.
How are the cells collected? From one of your own hair follicles - a simple, minimally invasive collection. That avoids a bone-marrow aspiration (which often needs sedation) or a fat lipoaspiration (a minor liposuction procedure).
Is it FDA-approved or proven to regrow cartilage? No. It is investigational and not FDA-approved for arthritis. Current evidence centers on short-term safety and symptoms, not proven cartilage regrowth.
What is the recovery like? It is an in-office, ultrasound-guided injection with usually only a few days of mild soreness before returning to normal activity.
FDA Disclaimer: Autologous MSC secretome therapy is considered investigational and has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.