Celebrities and Athletes Who Have Received Stem Cell Therapy at the Riordan Clinic in Panama

Over the years, the Stem Cell Institute in Panama has treated thousands of patients from around the world, including a number of well-known public figures and professional athletes. While many patients prefer to keep their medical care private, several celebrities and athletes have spoken publicly about their experiences with the clinic’s umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatments.

Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson has been one of the most vocal supporters. He brought his father, Hutton Gibson, for treatment starting at age 92. Mel has shared how the therapies helped his father and has discussed the clinic and its founder, Neil Riordan, on The Joe Rogan Experience.

Motivational speaker and author, Tony Robbins, has also visited the clinic and spoken positively about his experience.

On the athletic side, several NFL players have returned multiple times for treatment of sports-related injuries. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has received therapy for issues including Achilles tendinosis and credits the treatments with helping him stay on the field. His teammate, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, has been a patient since 2017, with at least eight visits reported. Juszczyk has brought family members and teammates and has spoken about the benefits for injury recovery and overall performance.

Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw received stem cell therapy for shoulder injuries. He has publicly credited the treatments with helping him avoid surgery and return to competition. He also mentioned an unexpected benefit, improvement in his psoriasis.

Other names that have appeared in connection with the clinic over the years include rock legend Ozzy Osbourne and Sonny Mayo.

In addition, business figures such as Home Depot co-founder
Bernie Marcus and others have been treated there.

It is worth noting that professional athletes and high-profile individuals often seek these therapies for faster recovery from orthopedic injuries, reduced inflammation, and improved function. The clinic’s protocol typically combines intravenous infusions with targeted injections using their selected “Golden Cells™.”

Public Videos and Interviews from Celebrities and Athletes

Several well-known figures have spoken openly about their visits to the Stem Cell Institute in Panama and their experiences with the umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell treatments. Below are some of the main video interviews and posts where they share their stories in their own words.

Mel Gibson discussed his own treatment and his father Hutton Gibson’s remarkable recovery on The Joe Rogan Experience. Here is a shorter clip (10 minutes) focusing on how the stem cell therapy helped his father Mel Gibson’s father.

Chris Hemsworth and his trainer Luke Zocchi visited the clinic in February 2024. In the video below, Luke discusses his experience at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama with Dr Marcella Madera, a board certified neurosurgeon and Medical Director of the Clinic. Luke and Chris stayed at the clinic hotel for 3 days and both had IV stem cell therapy. The tour with Neil Riordan was posted on Instagram. However only Luke provided his testimonial about the stem cell treatment. Luke was diagnosed with Myocarditis on MRI scan which cleared up completely after the stem cell infusion on follow up MRI one month later. Luke Zocchi’s experience with treatment at the clinic:

NFL players George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk have both returned for multiple treatments and shared how the therapy helps with injury recovery and staying on the field. Their joint video. 

Separate video by Kyle Juszczyk also spoke about his personal experience in this video.

Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw described how the treatments helped his shoulder injuries and, unexpectedly, cleared his psoriasis. Two relevant videos are: (shoulder recovery)

and  (psoriasis improvement).

Tony Robbins has visited the clinic and spoken about the benefits he experienced.

Dr Neil Riordan gives a lecture on Using Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury, RA Rhematoid Arthritis, MS (multiple Sclerosis) and DMD (Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy:

Important Note for Readers

These are firsthand accounts from the individuals themselves. As with all patient stories mentioned in this article, results can vary widely. The therapies offered at the Stem Cell Institute are experimental and not FDA approved. Readers should consult their own physicians before considering any stem cell treatment.

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.

Who Is Neil Riordan, and What Makes Him Qualified to Run a Stem Cell Clinic?

As I reviewed the background of the Stem Cell Institute in Panama, one name stands out: Neil H. Riordan, PA, PhD. He serves as founder, chairman, and chief science officer of the institute. Many readers ask what qualifies him to lead a clinic offering advanced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies. Here is a clear look at his training and experience.

Neil Riordan began his career with solid clinical training as a Physician Assistant. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Wichita State University, graduating summa cum laude. He then completed a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This gave him hands-on skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Later, he pursued advanced research training and earned a PhD in Health Sciences from the Medical University of the Americas. His early work took place at the Riordan Clinic in Wichita, Kansas, founded by his father, Hugh D. Riordan, MD, a well-known center for integrative and orthomolecular medicine. There, Neil collaborated on research into high-dose intravenous vitamin C for cancer, which resulted in a 1997 patent. This experience sparked his interest in innovative, lab-based therapies.

What truly sets Neil Riordan apart is his deep involvement in the science and manufacturing of stem cells themselves. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed scientific articles in international journals. Many of these explore the use of umbilical cord-derived MSCs for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, spinal cord injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscular dystrophy. He has also authored two books on the topic: Stem Cell Therapy: A Rising Tide and MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cells): Clinical Evidence Leading Medicine’s Next Frontier, along with book chapters on placenta- and umbilical cord-derived stem cells.

On the innovation side, Riordan holds more than 25 families of patent applications, with over 11 patents already issued. These cover stem cell technologies, cell selection methods, and even an earlier cellular cancer vaccine. He is credited with discovering mesenchymal stem cells in menstrual blood back in 2007. His team developed the proprietary “Golden Cells™” process by screening cell lines for potency using molecular markers and reviewing thousands of patient outcomes to identify the most effective ones.

Operationally, Riordan brings rare hands-on expertise. He founded Medistem Panama, Inc. in 2007—a fully licensed, GMP-compliant stem cell laboratory in Panama’s City of Knowledge. This in-house facility handles cell sourcing, expansion, quality control, and characterization under Panamanian regulations. He also founded or co-founded related companies, including Signature Biologics, Arugula Sciences, and Aidan Products. In addition, he helped establish the Riordan-McKenna Institute in Texas for regenerative orthopedic work.

In short, Neil Riordan combines clinical training as a PA with a research PhD, decades of translational laboratory work, a strong publication and patent record, and full control over the cell production process. Unlike many clinic operators who focus mainly on patient care or business aspects, he has built and overseen the entire pipeline—from the lab bench to the bedside. This vertical integration helps explain the consistency and scale of the Stem Cell Institute’s work, with tens of thousands of procedures performed over more than 20 years.

Of course, as noted elsewhere in this article, these therapies remain experimental and are not FDA-approved. Patient results vary, and anyone considering treatment should consult their own physicians and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks.

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.

Low Cost Alternative to Umbilical Stem Cell Therapy: Cell Life USA

For people who would like the benefits of cell therapy without the exorbitant cost, another program is available through Cell Life USA. Their cell extract products are taken orally and do not require an IV. They do not use the enitire cell, they make extracts from cells derived from 2 month old pig embryos, then taken as an oral nutrition supplement. My office has an account with Cell Life USA, we can provide you with products at heavily discounted prices. Call my office and we will get you started: 954-792-4663.

The following information is copied from the Cell Life USA web site:

These products originate from Europe. The pioneering technology was discovered in the early 1900s by Swiss surgeon Dr. Paul Niehans, who is often referred to as the “father of cell therapy.” Dr. Niehans later established the La Prairie Clinic in Switzerland. Today, several renowned clinics across Europe continue to utilize similar products. Since 1998, Cell Life USA has been distributing these dietary supplement products to health and wellness practitioners throughout the USA. Our products comply with all OSHA guidelines set by the FDA, and we are the exclusive importer of these products into the United States.