Celebrities’ ‘new Botox’ could actually cause more harm than good, leading scientist warns
Advanced stem cell treatments used by celebrities as the ‘new botox’ to maintain their youthful appearance could do more harm than good, leading scientist warns
- Exosome therapy is advertised as a way to get youthful skin
- But it remains unclear whether the treatment, which costs up to £16,000, will work
There are also fears that in rare cases it could lead to bacterial infections such as sepsis
It is marketed as an anti-aging product and a way to treat hair loss.
But customers buying trendy and expensive stem cell treatments may not be aware that in some cases they can do more harm than good, a leading scientist warned.
Exosome therapy, feared to be the “new Botox,” has been advertised as a way to get youthful skin, alongside images of celebrity influencer Kim Kardashian.
But experts warn that research is not yet clear whether the treatment, which costs up to £16,000, works. There are also fears that it could lead to bacterial infections, including, in extremely rare cases, life-threatening sepsis.
Dr. Darius Widera, associate professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Reading, said: ‘Clients are paying large sums for treatments that don’t work or are even dangerous.
Exosome therapy, feared to become the ‘new Botox,’ is being advertised as a way to get youthful skin, alongside images of celebrity influencer Kim Kardashian
“The vast majority of stem cell treatments offered are not yet supported by research supporting therapeutic use and may never be.”
Dr. Widera, who published a study on the exosome industry in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, concludes that “tight regulation and monitoring” are needed.
He identified 114 companies in 28 countries charging up to £16,000 for injections of exosomes. Adult stem cells have been proven to help regenerate aging cells. But instead of injecting stem cells, it is possible to use the molecules the cells produce, which have a similar effect.
These molecules are exosomes — packets largely made up of fatty acids, proteins and a type of genetic material called microRNA — that can fight aging by reducing inflammation. But there is no evidence yet that they have a visible anti-aging effect when applied to the skin. Dr. Widera also believes there is little chance that exosomes can regenerate hair follicles in balding men.
He said, “Because of the hype, there is a real danger that it will become as popular as Botox.”
Researchers found that stem cell products were sold primarily in the US for up to £16,000. Ms Kardashian, who reportedly used an exosome facial serum, was featured in some clinic advertisements.
The study found five clinics offering the treatment in the UK, although some have closed and more have sprung up since the July-November 2022 snapshot study.
The therapy is also being sold abroad for conditions such as Parkinson’s, dementia and autism, raising concerns that it could offer false hope to vulnerable people.
Experts warn that research is not yet clear whether the treatment, which costs up to £16,000, works
Scientists say there is no evidence yet that stem cell products like these can help regenerate cells lost in serious illness, such as brain cells in cases of dementia. It is also unclear which regulator would be able to monitor the therapy in the UK as it is not a medical treatment.
Dr. Commenting on the study, Alena Pance, senior lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, said: ‘I don’t think there is clear evidence that exosomes have therapeutic potential. Companies can market unproven treatments without having to provide complete information about their products.’
Professor John Hunt, an expert in medical technologies from Nottingham Trent University, said: ‘It’s important that people do their research, do their due diligence and talk to those offering the treatment.’
When approached, the only UK company included in Dr. Widera is called to comment.