Same cells for RA and osteoarthritis?

Similar cell type, different goal. RA uses systemic IV infusion for immune modulation; osteoarthritis usually uses intra-articular injection aimed at cartilage repair.

Can I have cells while on biologics?

Case by case. Most studies define concomitant medication rules and washout periods explicitly.

Does it stop bone erosion?

Not established in humans. Current evidence is preclinical and mechanistic; clinical results are still needed.

How can Thai patients access it?

It remains investigational, so access depends on trial inclusion criteria and Korean institutional approval; enquire through the hospital's international patient desk.

Cover: examining hand joints in a rheumatoid arthritis patient

RASTEM inj.: stem cells for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune joint disease meets Th1/Th2 rebalancing

Quick answer

RASTEM inj. is EHL Bio's autologous adipose MSC therapy, given as repeat intravenous infusions for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis. Preclinical work is complete and phase 1 preparation is under way. The concept is to use MSC immunomodulation to reduce autoimmune joint destruction.

Key facts

Product: RASTEM inj.
Cell type: Autologous adipose MSC
Target indication: Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis
Status: Preclinical complete, preparing phase 1
Administration: Repeat IV infusion

Rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis in that the immune system attacks the joint lining, producing swelling, warmth, morning stiffness over 30 minutes and, if uncontrolled, permanent bone erosion. Standard care is DMARDs and biologics.

Rebalancing Th1/Th2 with cell therapy

The therapeutic idea is restoring Th1/Th2 T-cell balance and boosting regulatory immune cells, thereby damping the inflammatory signals that erode joints — the same mechanism EHL describes across its other autoimmune programmes.

Related patents and research

EHL also holds patents covering cells or culture media treated with a 15-PGDH inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis, an approach that raises PGE2 expression with anti-inflammatory effect.

Do not stop DMARDs to wait for cell therapy

Advice for Thai patients: do not self-discontinue DMARDs or biologics while waiting for cell therapy — uncontrolled disease is when joints are destroyed fastest. Have a rheumatologist assess first.

Frequently asked questions

Same cells for RA and osteoarthritis?
Similar cell type, different goal. RA uses systemic IV infusion for immune modulation; osteoarthritis usually uses intra-articular injection aimed at cartilage repair.
Can I have cells while on biologics?
Case by case. Most studies define concomitant medication rules and washout periods explicitly.
Does it stop bone erosion?
Not established in humans. Current evidence is preclinical and mechanistic; clinical results are still needed.
How can Thai patients access it?
It remains investigational, so access depends on trial inclusion criteria and Korean institutional approval; enquire through the hospital's international patient desk.

Medical cautions

5 points • reviewed 2026-08-28

Expand

This article is educational information only — not a diagnosis, prescription, or personal medical advice.
Outcomes vary by person, depending on age, underlying conditions, current medication, and the treating doctor's technique.
Consult a licensed physician and verify the clinic's licence before deciding on any treatment.
Some treatments (certain stem cell therapies in particular) are regulated differently by country — check Thai and Korean rules before travelling.
Prices, packages, and service details can change — confirm directly with the provider before paying.

Reviewed and last updated: 2026-08-28

References and sources

10 sources • every claim is traceable

Expand

1. EHL Bio — company introduction
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/about/
2. EHL Bio — company history
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/history/
3. EHL Bio — GMP centre
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/gmp/
4. EHL Bio — stem cell therapeutics pipeline
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/institute/
5. EHL Bio — patents and research papers
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/rd/patent/
6. EHL Bio — EHL-STEM conditioned media
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/conditioned/
7. EHL Bio — immune cells
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/immune_cell/
8. EHL Bio — target diseases
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/cure/index/
9. EHL Bio — locations and contact
https://www.ehlbio.co.kr/company/contact/
10. Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do

Browse the full reference library →

Last updated: 2026-08-28 · This content is for information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor before making treatment decisions.