At CIRM, we hear from patients every day asking about clinical trials and potential treatments. Unfortunately, some predatory clinics exploit that hope by marketing unproven stem cell therapies for conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.

A recent Los Angeles Times article described a class‑action lawsuit against one such clinic. The clinic advertised 100% patient satisfaction, leading patients to believe the treatments worked. In reality, the rating referred to hospitality, hotel stays, and customer service. Misleading claims like these often persuade patients to spend tens of thousands of dollars on unproven treatments.

So how can patients distinguish legitimate therapies from those offered by predatory clinics? We recommend focusing on three key principles: regulated, reputable, and reliable.

Regulated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration employs a rigorous process to evaluate potential therapies before they enter clinical trials. This review includes extensive scientific evaluation and ongoing oversight to protect participants and assess effectiveness.

All CIRM‑funded clinical trials, including those conducted through the Alpha Stem Cell Clinic Network, operate under FDA authorization. Predatory clinics typically do not meet these standards and often offer treatments that have not undergone rigorous review.

Reputable

CIRM partners with respected institutions that maintain the highest scientific and clinical standards. These organizations employ experienced researchers, physicians, and nurses and have established track records of excellence.

The Alpha Stem Cell Clinic Network includes City of Hope, UC San Francisco, UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Davis, and UC Irvine. Other CIRM‑funded trials involve institutions such as Stanford and USC. These organizations are widely respected within the scientific and medical communities.

Predatory clinics have earned a far different reputation. Investigations by major news organizations have described their practices as unethical, and many of their treatments lack evidence of effectiveness.

Reliable

CIRM‑funded clinical trials are reliable because trained professionals conduct them using established protocols. Patients, advocacy groups, and regenerative medicine experts trust these programs because they follow strict safety and care standards.

The physicians, nurses, and research staff involved in FDA‑authorized trials have specialized training and extensive experience. By contrast, investigations have shown that some predatory clinics use providers with limited training related to the treatments they offer.

When considering a clinical trial or treatment for yourself or a loved one, remember the three R’s:

Regulated. Reputable. Reliable.