29/10/2025
This article from Regenexx highlights something I — and a few other clinicians — have been warning about for years: the “first-pass effect” in the lungs after intravenous stem cell infusion.
When stem cells are injected IV, a large portion can get trapped in the pulmonary microcirculation, never reaching the intended target tissues. This phenomenon, called first-pass trapping, can reduce efficacy and potentially stress the lungs.
It’s concerning that many still promote systemic IV delivery of large stem cells (like MSCs or umbilical-derived cells) without acknowledging this risk.
That’s one reason I’ve focused on small, blood-derived pluripotent cells (SPSCs) — naturally occurring and tiny enough to circulate freely through capillaries, offering a safer systemic profile.
Science is catching up, and transparency matters.
Let’s keep the conversation evidence-based and patient-focused.
🔗 Read the full article here: [link in bio]
