Frequently Asked Questions

About our clinic

Where is the IM Clinic located?

Our primary clinic is situated in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. Here, we specialize in stem cell therapy for various conditions, including ASD, MS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and more.

Additionally, we have a second facility in Slovenia, focused on rehabilitation and post-treatment care for severe illnesses and chronic conditions.

IM Clinic Clinic strictly adhere to the legal and regulatory requirements of each country where our services are offered, ensuring safe and effective treatment for all patients.

To begin, contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation with our doctor and medical advisor. During this session, you’ll gain valuable insights into:

— what stem cell therapy can achieve for your specific condition;
— the associated costs;
— the duration of the treatment;
— the science behind how it works.

Our medical team will thoroughly review your health history and current condition to determine whether stem cell therapy is a suitable option for you.

After this assessment, we will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. The plan will include details about the procedure, as well as the most convenient dates for your visit to our clinic. This personalized approach ensures the highest likelihood of a positive outcome.

The length of your stay at our clinic depends on several factors, including your treatment plan, the number of procedures required, and your overall health condition. On average, patients stay anywhere from three days to two weeks. Specific details about your stay will be discussed during your consultation with the doctor.

We prioritize your comfort and aim to provide a relaxing atmosphere. Our clinic offers cozy, home-like rooms designed to make your experience as stress-free as possible. To support your emotional well-being, we also welcome loved ones to accompany you throughout your treatment journey.

Pricing and travel

How much does stem cell therapy cost?

The price of stem cell therapy varies based on several factors, including the patient’s diagnosis, the stage of the condition, age, and the level of care required. Since each treatment plan is uniquely tailored to the individual, the costs can range significantly, typically falling between €7,000 and €25,000.

To get an accurate estimate for your specific case, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our specialists, where we’ll provide detailed information without any obligation.

We take a holistic approach to our treatment programs, ensuring that every aspect of your care is addressed, especially since many of our patients travel from other countries for their procedures.

To provide a seamless experience, our services go beyond stem cell therapy and include:

— comprehensive pre- and post-treatment medical checkups;
— all necessary procedures, both involving stem cells and complementary treatments;
— prescribed medications during and after treatment;
— comfortable accommodations at the clinic or nearby hotels, as recommended by our doctors;
— lodging for one accompanying companion;
— meals, including options tailored to special dietary needs;
airport transfers to and from the clinic;
— translation services, if required;
— follow-up consultations after treatment;
— a scheduled checkup several months post-treatment.

The only cost typically not included in our package is airfare.

Stem cell therapy is usually not included in standard medical insurance coverage. However, policies and terms can differ between insurance providers. We recommend reaching out to your insurer directly to explore any potential coverage options they may offer.

If you are a citizen of the EU, the UK, the USA, Israel, Norway, Iceland, Australia, or New Zealand, you do not require a visa. For citizens of other countries, obtaining a standard tourist visa for your visit is a simple process.

Safety and guarantees

What does science say about stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a key component of regenerative medicine. Stem cells have the unique ability to assist in healing damaged tissues, making them effective for treating a variety of diseases and injuries. The effectiveness of stem cell treatments is supported by numerous clinical trials, with findings published in reputable scientific journals.

While some people claim that stem cell therapy is risky, unethical, or fraudulent, these assertions are incorrect. To better understand how scientific research dispels these common myths, check out our article addressing the most widespread misconceptions about stem cell therapy.

Numerous clinical trials conducted by researchers across various countries have confirmed the safety of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. As a result, we can confidently assure that stem cells pose no harm to the patient.

We are confident not only in the overall safety of stem cells but also in the safety of MSCs derived from umbilical cord blood and placentas, which we use at our clinic:

General Safety of Stem Cells: MSCs have immunomodulatory properties, allowing them to reduce inflammation and prevent immune reactions that could cause tissue damage or rejection. They also generally lack MHC Class II molecules, which minimizes the risk of triggering an immune response.

However, while stem cell therapy is considered safe, an overdose can be harmful. Potential risks include vascular overload, blood clots, and retention in the lungs, which could lead to respiratory failure. For this reason, we carefully calculate the appropriate dose for each patient, ensuring that the maximum safe dose is never exceeded.

Safety of Our MSC Product: The MSCs we use are sourced from umbilical cords and placentas, collected in sterile environments to prevent contamination. These tissues are discarded after childbirth, making their collection both ethical and non-invasive. Donors are thoroughly screened with comprehensive medical exams to ensure they are free from infections and other potential health risks.

Before being administered in treatments, all MSCs undergo stringent testing to guarantee their purity, viability, and sterility. This includes assessments for bacterial, fungal, and viral contamination, along with genetic and vitality tests to ensure their authenticity and functionality.

Common initial reactions to the treatment may involve fever, headache, chills, or a rash. You may also experience localized swelling or redness at the injection site. These symptoms are typically alleviated with rest or pain relievers and usually subside within 24 hours.

Stem cell therapy does not cause any long-term side effects.

The potential cancer risk is a significant concern, but it is only relevant when dealing with embryonic or fetal stem cells.

At our clinic, we use only mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatments. These cells are sourced from adult tissues, not from embryos or fetuses, meaning they do not have the ability to differentiate uncontrollably or form tumors. Extensive studies support the safety of MSCs, confirming their suitability for therapeutic use.

MSCs are characterized by their genomic stability and limited ability to self-renew or proliferate. As a result, they cannot replicate or grow out of control like cancer cells.

Furthermore, before being used in therapy, MSCs undergo thorough testing to verify their purity, viability, and sterility, with specific checks for any genetic abnormalities that could lead to cancer.

Like any medical treatment, stem cell therapy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective for every individual.

It should be viewed as a promising alternative, particularly for difficult-to-treat or rare conditions. In these cases, it may help alleviate symptoms, improve overall quality of life, and slow disease progression. For more common health issues, stem cell therapy has the potential to significantly reduce symptoms.

While up to 80% of our patients see positive changes during and after the treatment, results can vary based on factors such as diagnosis, general health, age, and other personal conditions.

What we can confidently guarantee includes:

— The safety and high quality of our stem cell products.
— The expertise and qualifications of our medical team.
— A personalized, holistic approach tailored to meet your specific needs.
— Comprehensive treatment that includes all necessary check-ups and additional procedures.
— A safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment at our clinic.
— Complimentary follow-up consultations from our doctors and advisors to ensure optimal outcomes.

To determine whether stem cell therapy could significantly benefit your condition, please contact us to schedule a free, detailed consultation with our medical team.

All the testimonials on our YouTube channel come from real patients who have undergone treatment at our clinic and have chosen to share their personal experiences.

If you’d like to connect with any of them directly, feel free to reach out to us. We will first confirm that the patient is comfortable with sharing their details. With their permission, we can provide you with their contact information so you can verify their authenticity and ask any additional questions you may have.

Diseases and therapies

What diseases do you treat in your clinic?

Stem cell therapy has the potential to address a wide range of health conditions, including neurological and autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal injuries, skin disorders, metabolic syndromes, and other issues caused by tissue or cell damage.

Some of the most common conditions we treat at our clinic include:

— Autism
— ALS
— Multiple sclerosis (MS)
— Parkinson’s disease
— Post-stroke rehabilitation
— Rehabilitation after a heart attack
— Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease
— Anti-aging
— Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
— Lyme disease
— Ataxia
— Arthritis
— Rheumatism
— Sports injuries
— Eye disorders
— Lupus
— Tinnitus

We have also seen positive outcomes in treating a variety of other conditions. To determine if stem cell therapy could be beneficial for your condition and to assess your eligibility for treatment, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with one of our medical experts.

The treatment begins with a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the patient’s suitability and to establish the appropriate, safe dosage.

Stem cells may be sourced either from the patient or a donor. If the patient’s own cells are used, they must visit the clinic twice—once for cell collection and again for treatment after 3–4 weeks. Donor cells are typically recommended due to their greater activity, and this requires only one visit, but the decision is made individually by the doctor.

Cells are generally delivered through injections once or twice daily. Prior to the procedure, the medical team provides detailed information, including lab certifications and an explanation of the cell source, testing, and safety measures. Throughout the procedure, the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored.

In addition to injections, we offer supplementary treatments using cell products, such as secretomes, which can be administered through inhalations or nasal sprays.

Stem cell therapy can assist in relieving pain, reducing inflammation, promoting healing in affected areas, improving motor and cognitive functions, or halting disease progression, depending on the condition being treated.

The degree of improvement varies among patients and is influenced by factors such as the type and duration of the disease, the severity of symptoms, the number of treatments administered, and other individual variables.

To understand what outcomes you might expect in your specific case, we recommend booking an online consultation with our doctors.

Many patients report significant improvements within the first few days of stem cell treatment.

However, it’s essential to understand that the stem cells need time to reach the damaged areas and begin the healing process. Therefore, the full benefits of the therapy are usually seen a few months after the treatment is completed.

At IM Clinic, we strictly use adult multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells to guarantee both safety and ethical integrity. Patients can choose between autologous stem cells (harvested from their own body) and allogeneic stem cells (sourced from donated tissues). The decision is based on individual medical needs, which our healthcare team will carefully assess to recommend the most appropriate option.

If autologous stem cells are selected, additional time is required to extract, grow, and prepare the cells for treatment. In contrast, when allogeneic stem cells are used, treatment can begin right away, as there’s no need for cell harvesting or anesthesia.

The donated stem cells we use are typically derived from the umbilical cord or placenta. This process is fully consensual, ethically sound, non-invasive, and does not pose any risk to the donor.

While we are known as a stem cell therapy clinic, our approach is much broader, offering comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual patient.

Our services include:

— All necessary diagnostic tests and in-depth medical evaluations, when required;
— Stem cell therapy;
— Complementary treatments (such as IMR, physiotherapy, etc.) that optimize the benefits of stem cell therapy.

Every treatment plan is customized by our medical team to suit the specific needs of the patient.

For instance, stem cell secretome therapy may be recommended to enhance the therapeutic results. SVF cell therapy is typically prescribed for patients with autoimmune, urological, neurological, pulmonary, ophthalmologic, or orthopedic conditions, while macrophage therapy is often used for central nervous system disorders.

In addition to stem cell treatments, we incorporate physiotherapy and intracellular metabolism recovery therapy into nearly all treatment programs, providing additional support and enhancing the effects of stem cell therapy.

These are just a few examples—overall, we offer more than 20 distinct treatment programs at our clinic.

Autism

How does stem cell therapy help with autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition, not a disease, and while it cannot be cured, it can be supported through therapy.

Research and our experience show that stem cells can:

— Aid in the development of important skills like hygiene and self-care.
— Support the improvement of communication abilities, including empathy, helping children express emotions and needs, form connections, and engage socially.
— Alleviate digestive issues, reduce infection risks, and address allergies.
— Offer alternatives to painful or harmful treatments.

We utilize a variety of therapies, such as intravenous stem cell injections, exosome inhalation, and nasal sprays with macrophages. Each program is customized to meet the unique needs of the patient.

A typical treatment session at our clinic lasts between 3 to 9 days. During this time, patients typically receive one injection daily, along with a few non-invasive procedures such as inhalations.

If the results are positive, you may return for another session to further enhance the benefits. We generally advise waiting at least 6 months between treatments to ensure optimal results.

In our clinic, we utilize stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood and placental tissue, which are administered through intravenous and intramuscular injections. To prioritize patient comfort, we may use mild sedation when appropriate. In addition to these injections, our treatment protocols also incorporate exosome inhalation to further enhance the healing process and promote overall well-being.

While 80% of our patients experience positive changes, it’s important to understand that stem cell therapy is not a miracle cure. Autism spectrum disorder is not classified as a disease and currently has no definitive cure. However, the potential improvements can be significant, including:

— Improved eye contact;
— Enhanced verbal and non-verbal communication;
— Stronger connections with family, peers, and others;
— Better hygiene habits;
— Increased focus and attention;
— Reduced aggression and self-harming behaviors;
— Improved appetite and fewer digestive issues.

The outcomes can vary depending on factors such as age, the severity of the condition, and other individual characteristics.

The side effects are generally mild and temporary, often occurring shortly after the procedure. These can include a slight fever for a few hours, nausea, or general fatigue, but they are experienced by only about 5% of patients. There are no long-term side effects.

Technically, it is possible, but we typically do not recommend it.

Firstly, donor cells require about a month for cultivation, meaning you would need to visit the clinic twice: once for cell harvesting and again for treatment. Additionally, if the autism spectrum disorder has a genetic component, the parent’s stem cells might not be as effective in treating the child’s condition as donor cells, which come from individuals without a history of ASD in their family. Finally, compared to donor cells from the placenta or umbilical cord, adult donor cells tend to be less abundant and less active.

For these reasons, we usually suggest using donor cells from someone other than the patient’s parent, following all necessary safety protocols and precautions. However, you are welcome to discuss this option with your doctor and make an informed decision together.

Approximately 80% of our patients experience positive changes, such as improved eye contact, enhanced communication skills, better hygiene, and reduced aggression and self-harm.

That said, outcomes can differ from person to person, influenced by factors like age, the severity of the condition, and other individual circumstances.

Our standard ASD treatment program is designed for children aged 3 and older, weighing more than 15 kilograms.

In addition, we offer a «light» treatment program for both ASD and children with developmental delays, which is available to children as young as 1 year old.

While it is technically possible, the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for adult patients with ASD is generally more limited. This is because the brain of an adult is already fully developed, and stem cells have a more significant impact when used to treat younger individuals, whose brains are still developing.

That said, in our experience, there have been cases where adult patients with ASD have shown improvements in their ability to adapt to society and manage symptoms of ADHD. While results can vary, younger patients typically benefit more from this type of therapy due to the ongoing development of their neurological systems.

There are several factors that may make a patient ineligible for stem cell treatment for ASD, including:

— Being younger than 1 year old;
— A personal or family history of cancer;
— Specific types of epilepsy that may not be compatible with the therapy.

The decision to proceed with stem cell treatment is made after a thorough evaluation by our consulting doctors, who assess each case individually. Since every patient’s condition and needs are unique, we strongly encourage you to book a free consultation with us. During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation, review potential treatment options, and help you determine the best approach to achieving the best possible outcome for your child.

Our clinic is equipped with an in-house kitchen and professional chefs who prepare meals for both the child and accompanying parents. We accommodate special dietary preferences, understanding that children with ASD can have specific eating habits. Additionally, we offer a dedicated play area for children to enjoy during their stay.

For further support, we have a speech therapist and an occupational therapist available to work with the child as needed, ensuring a holistic approach to their care.

Contact us

From start to finish, our medical advisors are here to ensure your stem cell therapy experience is smooth and transparent. Fill out the form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the procedure.

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