Ep 15 Dr. Mari Dezawa — MUSE Cell Innovations Founder and CSO

A profile of Dr. Mari Dezawa, whose discovery of MUSE Cells reshaped how regenerative medicine understands stress-enduring, pluripotent-like cells and their potential to support targeted joint and spine repair. To learn more about regenerative and restorative treatments, visit stemshealthregenerativemedicine.com or schedule a consultation at our Miami Beach clinic, located at 925 W 41st St #300A, Miami Beach, FL 33140, You can also reach us by phone at (305) 677.0565. FULL TRANSCRIPT Dr. Mari Dezawa is one of the most influential figures in modern regenerative medicine. As Chief Scientific Officer of MUSE Cell Innovations and a professor at Tohoku University in Japan, she has reshaped the field through her groundbreaking discovery of MUSE Cells - multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells. Her work has provided a safer, more targeted alternative to embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, without the associated ethical or safety concerns. MUSE Cells are now at the center of a growing number of therapies focused on orthopedic and spine-related repair. So what exactly are MUSE Cells, and why do they matter? MUSE Cells are a rare type of adult stem cell found in bone marrow and umbilical cord tissue. They make up only one to two percent of mesenchymal stem cells, but they exhibit extraordinary properties. They survive harsh cellular stress. They can differentiate into all three germ layers - just like pluripotent cells. And most importantly, they do not form tumors. These characteristics are what make MUSE Cells so valuable. They offer the potential to regenerate tissue in a highly controlled way while reducing safety risks that have long slowed the adoption of stem cell-based treatments. One of the keys to understanding MUSE Cells is their identification. Dr. Dezawa’s team isolated them using a specific surface marker called SSEA-3. These cells can endure conditions that would destroy most other cells, and that’s where their name comes from: stress-enduring. They’ve been shown to differentiate into cell types across the ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal lines, supporting tissues ranging from nerve to muscle to cartilage. But unlike embryonic stem cells or iPSCs, they do so without forming teratomas or requiring genetic manipulation. So how do they work in practice? One of the most important clinical features of MUSE Cells is their ability to home to sites of injury. Whether delivered locally or systemically, they seek out damaged or inflamed tissue. Once there, they can either integrate and differentiate, or secrete beneficial factors that reduce inflammation and support surrounding cells. This is particularly relevant in orthopedic and spine care. Studies suggest MUSE Cells may support healing in the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine - areas where tissue damage is often slow to repair. Instead of simply reducing inflammation, they offer cellular-level restoration. This precision is what separates MUSE therapy from more traditional mesenchymal stem cell approaches. Where bulk MSCs may function broadly and non-specifically, MUSE Cells target the exact areas where healing is most needed, bringing structural support and regenerative signals. Dr. Dezawa’s work has moved beyond the lab and into clinical care. Through her partnership with MCI - Muse Cell Innovations - licensed providers are now offering MUSE Cell therapy in orthopedic settings. One such provider is STEMS Health in Miami Beach, one of only a few Florida clinics authorized to administer authentic Dezawa MUSE Cells. Treatments focus on joint and spine injections guided by ultrasound. No IV infusions are offered. Instead, therapy is highly localized, and delivered in a way that aligns with the scientific properties of the cells. As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Dezawa continues to lead the advancement of MUSE Cell research. Her team is working on GMP-compliant production lines, large-scale validation studies, and peer-reviewed research exploring how these cells can benefit not just orthopedics, but neurology, immunology, and more. Her legacy is still in progress. But what’s clear is that Dr. Mari Dezawa has introduced a new level of precision, safety, and therapeutic potential into regenerative medicine. Here are a few quick answers to common questions. What makes Dr. Dezawa’s discovery unique? She identified a subset of adult stem cells with pluripotent-like behavior that can aid tissue repair without the risks associated with iPSCs or embryonic stem cells. Are MUSE Cells safer than traditional pluripotent stem cells? Yes. MUSE Cells are non-tumorigenic and do not require genetic reprogramming, offering a more stable path to therapeutic use. Do they replace traditional MSCs? No. They complement them. MUSE Cells offer greater targeting and regenerative endurance, but MSCs remain useful in broader applications. Can they treat spine and joint issues? Current clinical use includes orthopedic pain, joint degeneration, and post-injury soft tissue recovery in the spine, knee, and shoulder. Where can patients access MUSE Cell therapy? STEMS Health in Miami Beach is one of the few clinics in Florida licensed to provide authentic Dezawa MUSE Cell treatment for orthopedic conditions. Thanks for listening. --- Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Treatments and outcomes described may not be appropriate for every individual. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider to determine the best course of care for your specific needs. Certain regenerative medicine procedures discussed—such as stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, or other biologic treatments—may be considered investigational or not FDA-approved for all conditions. Florida law requires that we disclose this status. While these procedures are offered in accordance with state and federal guidelines, their safety and efficacy have not been fully established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results vary, and no guarantee of specific outcome or benefit is implied. All medical procedures involve potential risks, which should be discussed with your treating provider prior to treatment. © STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine, Miami Beach, Florida. All rights reserved.