Hello,
My GI has suggested I try a biologic, such as Remicade or Humira. I've never tried a biologic, but due to side effects and/or possible lymphoma risk, not to mention the cost and long-term commitment, I'm more than hesitant to embark down that path.
I've been reading a bit on this site recently about some folks who are trying stem cell therapy for the Crohn's.
I'm wondering if anyone can point me to a link or blog or web site, or perhaps just type out some information for me regarind the stem cell therapy.
What I'm wondering is as follows:
1) Is SCT approved for Crohn's in the USA currently or is it only for trials?
2) As far as USA trials, is Osiris Pharma the only trial underway?
3) Osiris told me I had to have failed biologics in order to be admitted to their trial. Are there any other trials or ways to get approved for SCT without trying biologics first?
4) Does SCT have any real studies/statistics to indicate how effective it is for Crohn's?
5) Assuming I could find a way to get SCT, I wonder what the odds of my insurance paying for it would be. Do insurance co's usually require biologic attempts first?
6) When we say "Stem Cell Therapy", I believe there are separate types/methods/categories of therapy. Or am I wrong - is it basically just one method being use for Crohn's patients?
Thanks!!
My GI has suggested I try a biologic, such as Remicade or Humira. I've never tried a biologic, but due to side effects and/or possible lymphoma risk, not to mention the cost and long-term commitment, I'm more than hesitant to embark down that path.
I've been reading a bit on this site recently about some folks who are trying stem cell therapy for the Crohn's.
I'm wondering if anyone can point me to a link or blog or web site, or perhaps just type out some information for me regarind the stem cell therapy.
What I'm wondering is as follows:
1) Is SCT approved for Crohn's in the USA currently or is it only for trials?
2) As far as USA trials, is Osiris Pharma the only trial underway?
3) Osiris told me I had to have failed biologics in order to be admitted to their trial. Are there any other trials or ways to get approved for SCT without trying biologics first?
4) Does SCT have any real studies/statistics to indicate how effective it is for Crohn's?
5) Assuming I could find a way to get SCT, I wonder what the odds of my insurance paying for it would be. Do insurance co's usually require biologic attempts first?
6) When we say "Stem Cell Therapy", I believe there are separate types/methods/categories of therapy. Or am I wrong - is it basically just one method being use for Crohn's patients?
Thanks!!