Study Reveals New Stem Cell Therapy for Women with Ovarian Failure - Video

A regenerative treatment may restore fertility for women with ovarian failure, according to a new study published in Aging (Aging-US). The research suggests a novel approach combining stem cell mobilization and enriched plasma injections can stimulate egg production in women previously unresponsive to standard fertility therapies.

The study evaluated the Stem Cell Regenera protocol in 145 women aged 26 to 44 with poor ovarian response, diminished ovarian reserve, or premature ovarian insufficiency. These participants had failed to conceive using conventional treatments and were offered this therapy as a last resort.

The procedure involved two main steps: first, researchers used granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize the body's own stem cells into peripheral blood. Then, they injected stem cell factor-enriched platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the ovaries, aiming to activate dormant follicles and promote ovarian regeneration.

“The primary outcome measures were the rate of oocyte activation, leukocytes and stem cell count, and pregnancy rates.”

Nearly 70% of participants showed signs of oocyte activation through increased follicle development or hormonal changes. Following treatment, 7% of women conceived spontaneously and 14% achieved pregnancy via IVF results the researchers say are encouraging for a population with otherwise limited reproductive options.

Importantly, the study reported no severe adverse effects. Mild, transient symptoms like headaches and fatigue were the most common complaints. Since the therapy used autologous (self-derived) cells, the risk of immune rejection was minimal.

While the study is retrospective and observational, its findings highlight the potential of regenerative medicine to address complex infertility cases.

Reference: Santamaria A, Ballester A, Muñoz M. Enhancing oocyte activation in women with ovarian failure: clinical outcomes of the Stem Cell Regenera study using G-CSF mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and intraovarian injection of stem cell factor-enriched platelet rich plasma in real-world-practice. Aging (Albany NY). 2025 Jun 27; 17:1571-1580. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206274