Stem Cell Institute Panama: A Deep Dive into the Riordan Institute, Golden Cells™, and Founder Neil Riordan’s Pioneering Research by Jeffrey Dach MD

As a physician with a long-standing interest in regenerative and integrative medicine, I am frequently asked about offshore stem cell clinics offering mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies for chronic conditions. One of the most prominent is the Stem Cell Institute (SCI) in Panama City, Panama, also known as the Riordan Institute. Founded over 20 years ago, SCI specializes in allogeneic human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), which they have branded as proprietary “Golden Cells™.” The clinic operates under Panamanian regulations (not FDA-approved in the U.S.) and has performed more than 80,000 procedures. It emphasizes an in-house GMP-compliant lab, extensive patient data, and a data-driven approach to cell selection.

In this post, I’ll provide a detailed overview of the clinic, its treatments, claimed outcomes, and costs based on publicly available information from their website (cellmedicine.com) and related sources. I’ll also compare their Golden Cells™ to other MSCs and review key publications by founder Neil H. Riordan, PA, PhD.

As always, these therapies remain experimental. Results vary, and patients should consult their own physicians and review the latest independent evidence before considering medical tourism.

Founder and Background

Neil H. Riordan, PA, PhD, serves as founder, chairman, and chief science officer. With a background in health sciences and early work on high-dose vitamin C for cancer, Riordan has focused on applied stem cell research for decades. He holds numerous patents and has published extensively. His philosophy emphasizes that “an MSC is not an MSC”. In other words, not all mesenchymal stem cells perform equally, which led to the development of Golden Cells™. The clinic’s in-house lab, Medistem Panama, handles cell isolation, expansion, and quality control in a state-of-the-art GMP/ISO 9001 facility.

Reference: cellmedicine.com

Stem Cell Type:

Proprietary Golden Cells™SCI uses allogeneic (donor-derived) MSCs sourced from Wharton’s jelly of screened, full-term umbilical cords from healthy births in Panama.

What is Wharton’s Jelly?

First described in 1656 by the English anatomist Thomas Wharton, Wharton’s jelly is a gelatinous, mucous-like connective tissue found inside the human umbilical cord. It surrounds and cushions the two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, acting like a natural shock absorber to protect these blood vessels from compression, torsion, and bending during pregnancy and delivery. This helps maintain uninterrupted blood flow between the mother and fetus. It was first described in 1656 by the English anatomist Thomas Wharton, after whom it is named.

Reference: Drobiova, Hana, et al. “Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells: a concise review of their secretome and prospective clinical applications.” Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 11 (2023): 1211217.

High Performing Cell Lines

Mesenchymal stem cells from the Wharton’s jelly are expanded in culture and selected for high potency. Golden Cells™ represent a proprietary subset of six high-performing cell lines identified through retrospective analysis of thousands of patient outcomes since 2008. Researchers screened over 1,100 molecular markers to pinpoint a distinctive protein expression pattern linked to superior clinical results. These cells are now grown in 3D culture systems to preserve and enhance their characteristics.

Administration typically involves three or more infusions over several days (primarily intravenous, with targeted intra-articular, intramuscular, or intrathecal routes as needed). Protocols are personalized following medical review, with concierge support for international patients.

Conditions Treated and Claimed Outcomes

The Stem Cell Institute (SCI) in Panama offers treatments for a broad spectrum of inflammatory, autoimmune, neurological, orthopedic, and age-related conditions. The clinic uses its proprietary Golden Cells™ (selected high-potency human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells) delivered primarily through intravenous infusions, with targeted injections (intra-articular, intramuscular, or intrathecal) as needed. Protocols are personalized based on the patient’s condition and medical review.

While the clinic reports that many patients experience meaningful improvements in symptoms, function, energy, and quality of life, these therapies remain experimental. Results vary widely by individual, condition severity, and other factors. There are no large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials confirming efficacy for most indications, and independent critiques emphasize the need for caution. Safety data from the clinic indicate no serious adverse events in over 15,000 patients treated, but risks such as temporary inflammation, infection, or lack of benefit still exist.

Below are the main conditions addressed, along with clinic-reported outcomes and selected patient testimonials:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Patients often report improvements in mobility, balance, energy levels, fatigue, bladder/bowel function, and overall daily activities. Some describe reduced “MS hug” sensations, stronger voice, and the ability to resume previously difficult tasks. Effects may appear within days to weeks and can last months, with some patients returning for maintenance treatments.

Tricia: Diagnosed as a teenager, she felt like she was “sleepwalking through life.” After treatment, her balance improved and she gained significant energy, allowing her to play with her son and enjoy daily activities again. She called it a “game-changer.”

Adam Dash: Struggled with leg weakness and mobility issues requiring a cane. Post-treatment, he regained the ability to walk without assistance and described the experience as “mind-blowing,” saying it put the odds in his favor for improvement in his autoimmune condition.

Shelley Sims: Reduced her medications from 13 to 2, experienced much less fatigue, and was able to play racquetball with her son and coach his basketball team—activities she could not do before.

Kandis: Arrived in a wheelchair and left using a cane; later needed neither. She enjoyed 10 years of being largely symptom-free (including returning to CrossFit and driving) before symptoms returned, after which a second treatment brought rapid relief again. She noted, “I never expected the results to be that great, especially that quickly.”

Jay: Voice loss affected his work as a college instructor. Treatment strengthened his voice, reduced fatigue and the “MS hug,” improved balance, and restored his quality of life.

Xenia C.: Regained the ability to ride her horses again.

Other patients, including Holly Huber and Jennifer (who had MS since 2003 and feared ending up in a wheelchair), have shared similar gains in function and independence.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

The clinic reports gains in verbal communication, social engagement, eye contact, sensory processing, reduced tantrums, better sleep, and overall family interactions. Improvements often become noticeable around 3 weeks post-treatment and can continue for months.

Lilah (age 5): Started saying words and expressing herself verbally around three weeks after treatment. She became more present, aware of her surroundings, tried new things, and showed reduced tantrums and better sensory regulation, allowing stronger family connections.

Dylan: Previously disruptive in class and requiring a one-on-one aide. After treatment, he attends a regular classroom, is on the honor roll, and is described as creative and happy. His mother said, “I just pinch myself because he’s doing so good.”

Carter: Nonverbal and severely autistic. Post-treatment, his speech improved, he became happy and giggly, and slept much better. His mother called it “by far the best thing we’ve ever done.”

Bentley: Showed increased awareness, independence, and social connection. He began playing more with siblings and engaging with the world.

Lucas: No longer requires special education after one treatment; he now excels in physical therapy, communicates needs, engages with peers, and plays catch with family.

Parents of children such as Tristan, Rhyler, and others have described similar shifts toward greater independence and verbal expression.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Common reports include reduced joint pain and swelling, improved mobility and range of motion, decreased stiffness, and the ability to resume physical activities (biking, weightlifting, coaching sports, gardening). Some patients note overall health improvements and reduced medication needs.

James (age 73, osteoarthritis): Within 24 hours of treatment, pain and issues resolved enough for him to fly home. He resumed biking 20 miles a day (three days a week) and weightlifting without knee problems.

William: Never thought he would coach football again but was able to do so after treatment and plans to continue.

Darnell (rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years): “My hands and feet get sore and tender… This is not anywhere close to what it was before… Overall, my life has improved tremendously.”

Deborah (age 75, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia): Reduced pain, cleared brain fog, improved memory and multitasking. She feels “refreshed” and vibrant again, able to garden without as much difficulty.

Jen: Experienced relief from rheumatoid arthritis symptoms along with better overall health.

Cerebral Palsy

Improvements in mobility, speech, vision, and quality of life are frequently mentioned. Families report children becoming more verbal and engaged.

Owen (severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy): Previously expected to be non-verbal with limited quality of life. After treatment, he began speaking and using his voice to request another round of therapy. His mother said, “I’m glad we took the chance. My only regret is that we didn’t come sooner.”

Nora and Samuel: Families noted progress in mobility and daily function after treatment.

Heart Failure

Patients have described increased energy, better cardiac function, and improved daily activities. One example is Emmanuel Predinchuck, who shared his recovery story in a clinic video.

Spinal Cord Injury

Some patients report gains in sensation, movement, and reduced pain. A short film features three patients sharing stories of hope and partial recovery, including one demonstrating movements doctors said would never return.

Sports Injuries

Athletes often note faster recovery times, reduced downtime from injuries, decreased pain, and extended careers.Kyle Juszczyk (NFL player): Injuries that previously took two weeks to heal resolved in about four days. He credits the therapy with shortening recovery and boosting overall energy and performance.
Similar benefits have been reported by other athletes, including teammate George Kittle and UFC fighter TJ Dillashaw.

Frailty of Aging and Wellness / Longevity

Treatments aim to reduce inflammation, increase energy and agility, improve mental sharpness, and support an active lifestyle. Patients like Woody have described feeling more agile, staying mentally sharp, and maintaining enjoyable activities as they age.These testimonials come directly from the clinic’s website, patient videos, and stories (cellmedicine.com).

Many patients emphasize rapid or progressive improvements, renewed hope, and life-changing effects for themselves and their families. However, not every patient experiences dramatic results—some report modest or temporary benefits, and others may see little change.

Testimonials Page: Testimonials page

Important Note for Readers

While these stories are inspiring, they represent individual experiences and are not typical or guaranteed outcomes. Stem cell therapy for these conditions is still considered experimental in most regulatory frameworks, including by the FDA. Prospective patients should review all available data, consult their own physicians, and weigh costs, travel, and potential risks carefully.Would you like me to adjust the tone, add a stronger cautionary paragraph, include more (or fewer) quotes, or expand any specific condition further for the full blog post? I can also provide a clean plain-text version ready for WordPress if needed.

Costs

Costs typically start at approximately $15,825 for children and $26,900 for adults (including cells, medical services, VIP logistics, and hotel stay), with variations based on protocol complexity. No insurance coverage applies.

Comparison of Golden Cells™ to Other MSCs

A key differentiator at SCI is the claim that Golden Cells™ outperform standard MSCs. Dr. Riordan explains: “An MSC is not an MSC. They are not all created equal. If you are picking a basketball team, would you want me on your team or LeBron James…? Some perform better than others.”

How Golden Cells™ were selected:

Through retrospective review of patient outcomes, molecular screening identified six cell lines with a superior “secretome”—enhanced secretion of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative factors. This unique protein expression pattern is preserved in 3D culture. Only cells meeting strict QC criteria are used.

Vs. standard hUC-MSCs (umbilical cord tissue MSCs):

Golden Cells™ are a pre-selected, high-potency subset, offering more consistent and potent effects based on the clinic’s internal data.

Vs. autologous sources (patient’s own cells):

Bone marrow MSCs: Invasive to harvest; cell number and potency decline with age; less effective for systemic immune modulation per clinic comparisons.

Adipose (fat) MSCs: Higher yields possible, but variable potency depending on donor health/age; historically used but replaced by hUC-MSCs for better inflammation control and tissue repair.

Advantages of umbilical cord-derived MSCs (including Golden Cells™):

Superior immune regulation, Reduced inflammation, and Tissue regeneration

“Youthful” cells from newborn tissue avoid age-related decline seen in adult sources. They show superior immune regulation, reduced inflammation, and tissue regeneration in the clinic’s experience. As allogeneic cells, they allow high-dose, off-the-shelf use without patient harvesting. No rejection issues have been widely reported in their large patient series. This selection process is unique to SCI due to their volume of treated patients and in-house data. Most other clinics use unselected MSCs from various sources.

Reference: Cell Selection Process

What is the Connection Between Neil Riordan and the Riordan Clinic in Wichita Kansas?

Neil H. Riordan, PA, PhD (founder of the Stem Cell Institute in Panama) is the son of Dr. Hugh D. Riordan, MD, who founded the Riordan Clinic in Wichita, Kansas. Reference: Meet Neil Riordan, PA, PhD, & Founder of Stem Cell Institute

The Family Connection

Father: Dr. Hugh D. Riordan (1932–2005), a psychiatrist and orthomolecular medicine pioneer, co-founded the clinic in 1975 (originally the Olive W. Garvey Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning, later renamed the Riordan Clinic in his honor). He is best known for developing the Riordan Protocol for high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C therapy, especially for cancer and chronic conditions.

Son: Neil Riordan began his scientific career at his father’s clinic in Wichita. He led the research team that studied the pro-oxidant (cancer-killing) effects of high-dose IV vitamin C. Together, father and son collaborated on groundbreaking mid-1990s research showing that high blood levels of vitamin C could selectively kill cancer cells. This work resulted in key patents (e.g., 1997 patent for vitamin C in cancer treatment and a 2010 patent for a cellular cancer vaccine). Reference: High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C Therapy at Riordan Clinic Offers New Hope to Young Cancer Patient After Chemotherapy Fails

Neil has repeatedly referred to Dr. Hugh Riordan as “my dad” in interviews and writings, and he credits his early lab experience at the Riordan Clinic (including learning cell culture techniques) as foundational to his later career. Reference Interview with Neil Riordan

How the IV Vitamin C Work Fits In

The Riordan Clinic in Wichita remains one of the world’s leading centers for high-dose IV vitamin C therapy. Neil’s early research there directly contributed to the clinic’s protocols, which are still used today for cancer support, infections, and chronic illness. After his father’s death in 2005, Neil shifted his focus to stem cell research but has continued to speak and lecture at the Riordan Clinic.

Neil Riordan’s Publications: Contributions to MSC Research

Riordan has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and two books on MSC therapy. His work spans early adipose-derived cell therapies, MSC mechanisms (especially paracrine/secretory effects), and clinical feasibility studies using umbilical cord MSCs.

1) Riordan, Neil H., et al. “Non-Expanded Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis.” Journal of Translational Medicine, vol. 7, no. 1, 2009, p. 29,  (Early safety and rationale study using autologous adipose cells for MS.)

Madrigal, Marta, et al. “A Review of Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretions and Induction of Secretory Modification by Different Culture Methods.” Journal of Translational Medicine, vol. 12, no. 1, 2014, p. 260, . (Comprehensive review of MSC paracrine factors and how culture conditions enhance therapeutic secretions.)

Riordan, Neil H., et al. “Clinical Feasibility of Umbilical Cord Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.” Journal of Translational Medicine, vol. 16, no. 1, 9 Mar. 2018, p. 57, . (Feasibility and safety data for hUC-MSCs in MS patients.)

Riordan, Neil H., et al. “Allogeneic Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: Safety Profile and Effect on Cytokine Levels.” Stem Cells Translational Medicine, vol. 8, no. 10, 2019, pp. 1008–1016, https://doi.org/10.1002/sctm.19-0010. (Note: This open-label study was later retracted over disclosure issues; it reported safety and cytokine changes.)

Riordan also co-authored books synthesizing the field:

Riordan, Neil H. Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide: How Stem Cells Are Disrupting Medicine and Transforming Lives. Neil H. Riordan, 2017, (Details the Golden Cells discovery and patient stories.)

Riordan, Neil H., and Thomas Ichim. MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cells): Clinical Evidence Leading Medicine’s Next Frontier. Neil H. Riordan, 2017. (Summarizes over 50 years of MSC research across 44 conditions.) These works, along with collaborative studies, underscore Riordan’s emphasis on data-driven cell optimization and paracrine mechanisms over direct differentiation.

Final Thoughts

The Stem Cell Institute in Panama represents one of the more established and research-oriented options in the medical tourism landscape for MSC infusions. The Golden Cells™ approach, rooted in extensive patient outcome data and molecular selection, sets it apart from many clinics using unselected cells. However, as with all experimental therapies, benefits are not guaranteed, long-term data from large randomized trials are limited, and costs are substantial. Independent critiques (e.g., from stem cell researchers) highlight the need for caution, especially regarding efficacy claims for complex conditions like autism or MS. If you are considering treatment, start with a thorough medical evaluation, request detailed protocols and cell characterization data, and explore options closer to home where possible. Feel free to contact my office for a consultation on Bioidentical Hormones, Natural thyroid and integrative approaches to chronic disease.

Further Reading on Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy

For readers who would like to explore the science and clinical applications in greater depth, I recommend the following widely read books:

Riordan, Neil H. Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide: How Stem Cells Are Disrupting Medicine and Transforming Lives. Neil H. Riordan, 2017. Amazon,

Riordan, Neil H., and Thomas Ichim. MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cells): Clinical Evidence Leading Medicine’s Next Frontier. Neil H. Riordan, 2017.

Steenblock, David A., and Anthony G. Payne. Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy: The Gift of Healing from Healthy Newborns. Basic Health Publications, 2006.

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of any specific clinic.

Header Image: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures of murine bone marrow- and human umbilical cord blood-purified VSELs.

Panel (A) murine VSELs are small, possess a relatively large nucleus surrounded by a narrow rim of cytoplasm. At the ultrastructural level the narrow rim of cytoplasm possesses a few mitochondria, scattered ribosomes, small profiles of endoplasmatic reticulum and a few vesicles. The nucleus is contained within a nuclear envelope with nuclear pores. Chromatin is loosely packed and consists of euchromatin.

Panel (B) human VSELs are small and similarly as murine VSELs possess a relatively large nucleus surrounded by a narrow rim of cytoplasm. At the ultrastructural level, this narrow rim of cytoplasm possesses a few round mitochondria, scattered ribosomes, small profiles of endoplasmatic reticulum and a few vesicles. The nucleus is contained within a nuclear envelope with nuclear pores. Chromatin is loosely packed and consists of euchromatin. These pictures are adopted from published papers (references # 24 and # 25) after obtaining permission from the Leukemia Journal.
Date 17 February 2025

Source: Thetchinamoorthy K, Jarczak J, Kieszek P, Wierzbicka D, Ratajczak J, Kucia M and Ratajczak MZ (2025) Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) on the way for potential applications in regenerative medicine. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 13:1564964. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2025.1564964

Author: Thetchinamoorthy K, Jarczak J, Kieszek P, Wierzbicka D, Ratajczak J, Kucia M and Ratajczak MZ

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Jeffrey Dach MD
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Davie, FL 33314
954-792-4663

Published on April 4th, 2026 by Jeffrey Dach MD