During a visit to Europe Dr. Nabavi was interviewed by one of the European Health Magazines. The interview, conducted in December of 2008, was so thorough and comprehensive that we’ve decided to publish it; in it’s entirely, in this forum. Here is the transcript of Dr. Nabavi’s interview:

Magazine: Dr. Nabavi welcome to Europe.

Dr. Nabavi: Thank you. It is nice to be here.

Magazine: Tell us about your venture in Europe?

Dr. Nabavi: This is part of our overall initiative to establish a global network of stem cell clinics. We’ve always had Europe particularly, Western Europe, in our sight as one of the areas that we’d like to break grounds and establish a center. At the same time we are in negotiations in Eastern Europe and Asia. So, these are preliminary steps in developing a global network of stem cell clinics where pioneering procedures can be performed. 

Magazine: What are some of the latest technologies that you can share with us?

Dr. Nabavi: Recently, there have been tremendous advancements made in the area of adult stem cells, also known as Autologous stem cells. These advancements point to the potential therapeutic value of these remarkable cells. We are focusing in this area because we believe that, not only is it the safest and the most effective form of stem cell treatment today, it is the most attainable from the practical stand point.

Magazine: What are some of the illnesses that can be treated using stem cells today?

Dr. Nabavi: Today, we are able to treat many diseases and conditions by employing stem cells. We have filed for patents in eleven specific areas of medicine. Disease ranging from diabetes, arthritis, lung and heart conditions to neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis can be treated by using these remarkable cells.

Magazine: In light of the fact that these procedures are not yet approved by the FDA, how are you able to arrange for these treatments to take place?

Dr. Nabavi: With great difficulty, especially when you are trying to do quality work. But before I discuss the logistics, let’s talk about the role that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays. The FDA is the government agency that regulates and oversees how medical products and procedure are developed and ultimately delivered to the public. But FDA’s authority is limited to the US and it stops at our borders. So, many procedures, including stem cell therapies, that are performed in many countries around the world, including Western European countries, are not FDA approved. In fact, when it comes to stem cell therapies, the Europeans are far more advanced than we are in the United States.

Now let’s look at our role. We operate as an administrative entity. In that capacity, we identify physicians, multi-specialty physician groups, clinics and hospitals where unique and pioneering procedures can be performed. We work with these groups to develop their programs based on public’s demand. We evaluate their capabilities and how suitable they are to properly deliver the level of care that our clients expect. We arrange for accommodations like lodging and transportation. We assign local representatives to accompany our clients during their stay. Then, we take on the task of following up with the participants to determine how well they have responded to their treatments. This last step, in my view, is very unique because not only are we interested in gathering this information the participants and the physicians are very interested in this information. And ultimately, I hope that someday we can share this information with the FDA.

Magazine: These procedures are not some sort of magic shots. Are they?

Dr. Nabavi:  I’m glad you asked me this question. No they are not magic shots, as you put it. For this reason we go through an extensive process of selecting the right candidates to become participants in our program. We receive literarily hundreds of inquires every month. We interview on the average about a hundred candidates. Yet we perform only 20 to 30 treatments each month.

Magazine: What criteria do you use to choose the candidates?

Dr. Nabavi: The most important factor for us is “chance for success”. We must be convinced that the participant has a reasonable chance to get better.  We determine that by factors such as participant’s age, age of the injury or condition, whether we are dealing with one condition or multiple conditions. And so on.

 Magazine: What can the participants expect in terms of improvements?

Dr. Nabavi: Improvements vary from one individual to another and from one condition to another. Generally, younger participants and those who’ve been diagnosed more recently tend to show more improvements. But just like all other medical treatments there are no definitive rules. 

Magazine: Is it possible that a participant may show very little improvements?

Dr. Nabavi: Absolutely. It is absolutely possible that one may show very little improvements. This treatment is no different than any other medical procedure.  

Magazine: How do you determine the extent of improvements?

Dr. Nabavi: We are probably the only program of this kind that offers a formidable follow up program. For that, initially, we use diagnostic modalities to establish baseline values. Then regular and periodic follow up is performed by a professional agency that we’ve hired.  We also work with participants’ primary care physicians, when possible. These steps allow us to receive updates on the participants’ overall conditions and properly monitor their improvements.

Magazine: You’ve been open about everything so I would like to ask you about a subject that is not related to medicine.

Dr. Nabavi: Please go ahead.

Magazine: There are some reports in the media about your relationship with a former colleague. Would you be able to give us an idea about what has transpired?

Dr. Nabavi: You are referring to a former associate that I mistakenly allowed into my company. Not only is this an unpleasant chapter, it is a legal matter that is still ongoing. For that reason I’m limited in what I can disclose but here is what I can share with you.

I’m very trusting, by nature. About two years ago, unknowingly and without checking backgrounds, I allowed a very dishonest man into our company. I worked with this man for about a year and I learned a lot of unsettling things about him. I then severed my relationship with him and asked him to leave. Since that time, he, sometime directly and sometimes through proxies, have been placing derogatory material, about me and the company, in the media. These episodes have affected my health and they have caused a lot of damage to me personally and professionally.

Magazine: Are you taking legal action?

Dr. Nabavi: Of course, to the extent that is possible. We are pursuing the ones that we can access. Remember, these things are very hard to pursue. In this internet age, someone can sit in front of a computer anywhere in the world, post a derogatory comment about you and within minutes everyone in the world has access to it. Some of these are literarily extortion attempts.  Now, to confront the culprits, first you must find them. If you are successful in finding them, then you have to launch a legal challenge, often by incurring tremendous costs. After all that, you still may not be able to force a retraction because of lack of jurisdiction. So, it isn’t as easy as you may think.

At the same time, we have to be careful not to allow these things to become distractions. We have a lot of important initiatives. We are up against the mighty Pharmaceutical industry with its unlimited resources. Our resources are very limited and we have to use them wisely. Ultimately, we have to let our record speak for itself and I believe that we have the best record in this field. My colleagues tell me that negative comments are a sign of success. So, by that account, I guess we have succeeded.

Magazine: How do you see the future of stem cell treatment?

Dr. Nabavi: Stem cell therapy is here to stay. In the US, in the next five years, we’ll see some form of stem cell treatment being performed at major metropolitan medical facilities. Shortly after that, many diseases, that are now considered incurable, will be successfully treated by stem cells. So, the future is bright.

Magazine: Thank you

Dr. Nabavi: Thank you