f you're one of the millions of people suffering from long COVID, beware of clinics promising unproven stem cell cures. Researchers have identified dozens of businesses marketing purported stem cell therapies and exosome products for preventing and treating COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms, such as persistent brain fog and extreme fatigue. However, they warn that there's no scientific evidence that these interventions work or are even safe, and they are not approved or authorized by any regulatory agencies in the U.S.
The researchers caution that using these products may cause medical and psychological harm, as well as drain your bank account, with costs ranging from nearly $3,000 to $25,000. The lead author notes that the patients being targeted are particularly vulnerable. He explains that they are suffering, and in some cases, they have been suffering for a long time, making them highly susceptible to misleading representations and persuasive marketing pitches.
The clinics included in the study were primarily based in the U.S. and Mexico but are also located abroad.
