Medical applications · investigational

Autologous biologic therapies for other medical conditions.

An investigational, patient-derived procedure for selected adults with pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, or neurological conditions where persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, or impaired tissue repair are believed to contribute to ongoing symptoms. 

Pulmonary Cardiac Gastrointestinal Neurological Inflammatory / immune-mediated

This procedure is investigational. No stem cell or cellular therapy is FDA-approved for pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, or neurological diseases. Approaches described here are experimental and offered only after individual evaluation and informed consent. Read the full regulatory disclosure ↓

What it is

A case-by-case framework across organ systems.

Boulder Biologics offers investigational autologous biologic procedures for selected patients with conditions where persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, or impaired tissue repair are believed to contribute to ongoing symptoms.

No stem cell or cellular therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of these conditions. The approaches described on this page are experimental, grounded in evolving translational and early clinical research, and offered only following comprehensive evaluation and informed consent.

Shared biology

Three recurring mechanisms.

Across diverse organ systems, many chronic conditions share overlapping biological mechanisms.

01 · Immune

Persistent inflammation & immune dysregulation.

Chronic elevation of inflammatory cytokines, altered T-cell and NK-cell activity, and impaired immune resolution are common features in pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and neurological disorders. Sustained immune activation is increasingly recognized as a driver of ongoing symptoms rather than a bystander process.

Refs. 1–3
02 · Repair

Impaired tissue repair environments.

Rather than complete tissue destruction, many conditions involve dysfunctional repair signaling, endothelial injury, microvascular compromise, or abnormal extracellular matrix remodeling that limits recovery.

Refs. 1, 2
03 · Neuroimmune

Neuroimmune & neurovascular involvement.

In systemic disease states, peripheral inflammation can influence neural signaling, autonomic function, fatigue, and cognition. These mechanisms overlap with those described in post-viral and post-injury neurological conditions.

Refs. 1, 3

Conditions under investigation

Selected clinical contexts.

Each system has its own evidence base, and each is treated as investigational. Eligibility is decided case by case after evaluation.

Pulmonary & cardiac

Pulmonary & cardiac conditions.

Chronic inflammatory lung and cardiovascular conditions often involve endothelial dysfunction and immune dysregulation. MSC-associated signaling has been studied for its potential to support vascular integrity and modulate inflammation, though definitive clinical benefit remains unproven.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal conditions.

In inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis), immune dysregulation and epithelial barrier dysfunction are central pathophysiologic features. Reviews of MSC-based approaches describe potential immunomodulatory and reparative effects, while also highlighting ongoing challenges and inconsistent outcomes.

Refs. 3, 4
Neurological & neuropathic

Neurological & neuropathic conditions.

Peripheral neuropathies and central nervous system disorders frequently involve neuroimmune interactions rather than isolated neuronal loss. MSC-associated biologics are being explored for their ability to modulate inflammatory signaling and support neurovascular function, rather than for direct neuronal replacement.

Refs. 1, 2
Case-by-case

Other inflammatory or immune-mediated conditions.

If your condition isn't listed but involves chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, or impaired tissue repair, the only honest answer is "let's evaluate." We'll review your records, tell you where the evidence stands, and either propose a path or refer you to a more appropriate one.

About the biology

Paracrine signaling, not differentiation into mature cells.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are non-hematopoietic cells found in bone marrow and other tissues. In line with current scientific consensus and FDA-aligned language, their primary activity in the body is paracrine and immunomodulatory, rather than direct differentiation into mature organ-specific cells.

Claims that MSCs reliably transform into functional cardiomyocytes, neurons, hepatocytes, or other mature cells in humans are not supported by clinical evidence and are intentionally avoided.

Property 1Modulation of innate & adaptive immunity
Property 2Anti-inflammatory & trophic signaling
Property 3Endothelial & stromal repair support
Property 4Interaction with local tissue & immune cells
What it is notDifferentiation into mature organ cells

WHAT TO EXPECT

How the procedure works

This investigational approach is consistent with our CNS and Long COVID programs. No donor cells, no culture expansion, no genetic modification, no manufactured cellular products.

Step 01

Comprehensive evaluation

Full medical history, records review, and outside-cause workup. We'll tell you up front whether this is the right path or whether another clinic or trial fits better.

Pre-treatment
Step 02

Bone marrow aspiration

From the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) under local anesthesia and image guidance.

~30–60 min
Step 03

Filtration & minimal processing

Bone marrow aspirate is filtered and minimally processed in our on-site lab; cellular components may be concentrated.

Same-day
Step 04

Autologous administration

Intravenous (IV) delivery and, in selected neurological contexts, intranasal delivery via olfactory / trigeminal pathways. Intranasal delivery remains investigational and is not FDA-approved for neurological disease.

Same-visit
Step 05

Longitudinal follow-up

Outcome-specific tracking with symptom instruments appropriate to the condition under treatment.

Long-term

Safety considerations

How we frame safety

  • Autologous biologics reduce the immune-rejection risks associated with donor-derived products.
  • Published studies suggest acceptable short-term safety, but long-term efficacy is unknown.
  • Clinical response is variable, and some patients may experience no benefit.
  • Patients are carefully screened. 

Current evidence

Outcome expectations

Evidence for MSC-based biologics across these organ systems is preliminary and varies condition by condition, derived largely from laboratory work, small human studies, and reviews that also note inconsistent outcomes. This treatment is experimental supportive care, not disease-modifying therapy.

The strength of the evidence differs from one condition to the next. As a general matter:

  • Results are inconsistent and condition-dependent.
  • Controlled trials are limited or still ongoing for most indications.
  • No therapy here is proven to cure, halt, or reverse the underlying disease.

Is this you?

A consultation is how we figure that out.

Because the conditions here span multiple organ systems, eligibility is decided one case at a time after a full evaluation.

Likely worth a conversation

  • A chronic condition with documented inflammation, immune dysregulation, or impaired tissue repair
  • Persistent symptoms despite an adequate course of standard care
  • You can produce relevant records, diagnostic workup, imaging, prior treatments
  • You understand this approach is investigational, not a guaranteed treatment
  • You're open to a multi-visit workup and longitudinal follow-up
  • Realistic expectations, investigational supportive care, not a cure or disease-modifying therapy

WE WANT TO BE CLEAR

FDA Regulatory Disclosure

Regulatory status

  • No stem cell or cellular therapy is FDA-approved for pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, or neurological diseases.
  • The procedures described are investigational.
  • No claims are made regarding cure, organ regeneration, or disease modification.
  • Outcomes vary; no benefit is guaranteed.

This page aligns with FDA guidance on regenerative medicine marketing and avoids unsubstantiated claims.

Terminology and scientific accuracy

Consistent with FDA guidance and current scientific consensus, we avoid claims that mesenchymal stromal cells differentiate into functional organ-specific cells in vivo. Any potential benefit is described as paracrine signaling, immune modulation, and support for endogenous repair.

References to "stem cells" on this page reflect cellular populations contained within autologous bone marrow–derived biologic material, not manufactured or expanded stem cell products.

Autologous vs donor-derived cells

The FDA has raised particular concern regarding allogeneic (donor-derived) stem cell products marketed outside of approved clinical trials. At Boulder Biologics:

  • Only autologous (patient-derived) material is used
  • No donor cells are administered
  • No culture expansion, genetic modification, or manufacturing of cells occurs

Investigational nature and informed consent

  • Patients are informed that this approach is experimental.
  • Clinical response is variable and unpredictable.
  • Some patients may experience no benefit.
  • Long-term efficacy data are not yet established for these conditions.

Participation is voluntary, and treatment is undertaken only after a comprehensive informed-consent process.

Intranasal delivery, investigational

Intranasal delivery is explored as a potential route for biologic signaling molecules to access the central nervous system via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways. This route is investigational and not FDA-approved for the treatment of neurological disease.

References

Selected literature.

  1. Mesenchymal Stem Cell, Overview. ScienceDirect Topics.
  2. Chen FH, Song L, Mauck RL, Li WJ, Tuan RS. Mesenchymal stem cells. In: Principles of Tissue Engineering. 3rd ed. Academic Press; 2007:823–843.
  3. Hosseini-Asl SK, Mehrabani D, Karimi-Busheri F. Therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in ulcerative colitis: achievements and challenges. J Clin Med. 2020;9(12):3922.
  4. Guo G, Tan Z, Liu Y, et al. Therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes in ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2022;13:138.

Schedule a medical-applications consultation

Tell us about your case.

Dr. Glowney reviews your records, history, and current symptoms, and tells you honestly whether this investigational approach fits your case or whether another path makes more sense.

Or call 720-550-6175
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