SCA1 · SCA2 · SCA3 (MACHADO-JOSEPH) · SCA6 · SCA7 AND OTHER SUBTYPES
A physician-led programme targeting Purkinje cell loss, cerebellar-pontine atrophy and neuroinflammation — designed to stabilise motor coordination, reduce disease progression and preserve functional independence in patients with genetically confirmed spinocerebellar ataxia.
Request Medical ConsultationAbout the Condition
Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) is a group of hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused by pathological CAG trinucleotide repeat expansions in specific genes. These mutations lead to the production of toxic polyglutamine proteins that progressively destroy Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and damage olivopontocerebellar circuits responsible for coordination, balance, speech and fine motor control.
More than 40 genetic subtypes have been identified. The most common — SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6 and SCA7 — account for the majority of diagnosed cases worldwide. Disease onset typically occurs between 30 and 50 years of age, though juvenile and late-onset forms exist depending on the subtype and repeat length.
There is no pharmacological treatment that reverses or halts the genetic mutation underlying SCA. Standard care remains supportive — physical therapy, speech therapy and symptom management. Our programme does not correct the genetic defect. It targets the downstream neurodegenerative process: Purkinje cell loss, cerebellar atrophy, neuroinflammation and disrupted neural signalling.
SCA1
Caused by CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN1 gene. Characterised by progressive gait and limb ataxia, dysarthria, and oculomotor dysfunction. Often associated with pyramidal signs and cognitive decline in later stages. Typical onset in the third to fourth decade.
SCA2
Associated with ATXN2 gene expansion. Marked by slow saccadic eye movements as an early feature, progressive ataxia, peripheral neuropathy and hyporeflexia. Some patients develop parkinsonism. Prevalence is highest in Cuba and parts of India.
SCA3 (Machado-Joseph Disease)
The most common SCA subtype globally, caused by expansion in the ATXN3 gene. Clinical presentation is highly variable — ranging from severe spasticity and ataxia to peripheral neuropathy and dystonia. Bulging eyes and facial fasciculations are characteristic. First described in Portuguese-Azorean families.
SCA6
Caused by a relatively short CAG expansion in the CACNA1A gene. Distinguished by later onset (typically after age 50), slower progression and a predominantly cerebellar phenotype. Patients often retain cognitive function for longer. Sometimes overlaps clinically with episodic ataxia type 2.
SCA7
Caused by ATXN7 gene expansion. Unique among SCAs due to progressive retinal degeneration (cone-rod dystrophy) leading to visual impairment and eventual blindness alongside cerebellar ataxia. Anticipation is particularly pronounced — repeat length tends to expand across generations.
Our program is individually adapted for all subtypes and all stages of progression.
Important: Each patient is accepted into the programme only after a comprehensive individual medical assessment, which evaluates genetic diagnosis, disease stage, cerebellar and extracerebellar involvement, and overall clinical profile.
We do not offer a cure for SCA. Cellular therapy cannot correct the underlying genetic mutation. Our programme targets the downstream neurodegenerative process — Purkinje cell loss, neuroinflammation, and disrupted cerebellar circuitry — with the clinical objective of stabilising function, slowing progression, and preserving quality of life.
Clinical Outcomes
The following data are derived from structured observational analysis of patients treated at BioCells Medical between 2016 and 2025. All figures represent aggregated clinical registry outcomes with longitudinal follow-up. These are observational results — not randomised controlled trial data — and do not constitute a guarantee of therapeutic effect.
30
SCA patients treated
70%
demonstrated measurable functional stabilisation within 3–6 months
63%
showed improvement in at least one coordination domain
57%
reported reduced frequency and severity of falls
−2.4 pts
average SARA score improvement in the first 6 months
64%
maintained functional stability — follow-up to 2.5 years
Improved gait stability and reduced fall frequency
63%
Enhanced fine motor coordination (writing, buttoning, utensil use)
52%
Improved speech clarity and reduced dysarthria
48%
Better postural control during standing and transfers
58%
Reduced truncal ataxia during seated tasks
45%
3–8 weeks
Initial functional response
3–6 months
Clinically meaningful change
2–3 years under continued monitoring
Functional stabilisation phase
Important: Outcomes depend on SCA subtype, CAG repeat length, baseline SARA/INAS scores, disease duration and individual biological response. SCA6 patients (later onset, slower progression) tend to respond more favourably. Individual results may vary significantly.
Find out if our program can help in your specific case. The initial medical consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Request ConsultationPatient Stories
“My mother went from needing a wheelchair for anything outside the apartment back to using her cane for short walks. The medical team came to Lisbon for the treatment, which made everything easier. Her physiotherapist measured real improvement in her gait. We did not think that was possible anymore.”
Patient's daughter
SCA3 (Machado-Joseph) · Portugal
Every case is assessed individually by our physician team. Request a consultation to discuss your specific situation with our physician team.
Request ConsultationThe BioCells Program
Our SCA programme combines five biological components into a single personalised protocol. No two protocols are identical — each is constructed following a detailed medical evaluation of the patient's genetic diagnosis, cerebellar and extracerebellar involvement, disease stage and clinical priorities.
No surgery required
Treatment is delivered by intravenous infusion or targeted local injection — not surgical instruments.
No general anaesthesia
Important in SCA patients who may have compromised bulbar function or swallowing difficulties that increase anaesthetic risk.
No risk of immune rejection — autologous option
Where clinically appropriate, we use the patient's own cells. Zero risk of graft-versus-host disease with autologous protocols.
Targets the neurodegenerative process, not the genetic mutation
While the CAG repeat expansion cannot be corrected, our protocol addresses Purkinje cell loss, neuroinflammation and cerebellar circuit dysfunction — the mechanisms that translate the genetic defect into functional disability.
Complements existing supportive care
Our programme is compatible with ongoing physiotherapy, speech therapy and any symptomatic medications. Patients do not need to discontinue existing treatment.
Treatment at your location worldwide
Our medical team is available to conduct treatment at our Warsaw clinic or to travel to the patient's location anywhere in the world. For patients with advanced ataxia where long-distance travel is difficult, this removes a significant barrier to accessing care.
What It Is
MSCs are multipotent regenerative cells with demonstrated neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. They are among the most extensively studied cell types in regenerative neurology and have demonstrated safety across thousands of clinical applications.
How It Is Done
Cells are collected from the patient's own bone marrow (autologous, approximately 50 ml under local anaesthesia) or sourced from a certified donor (allogeneic), depending on individual clinical indications. All cells are expanded, quality-controlled and tested in our certified Warsaw laboratory before administration.
Biological Mechanisms
How This Helps in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
In SCA, toxic polyglutamine proteins trigger chronic neuroinflammation and progressive Purkinje cell death. MSCs address this by suppressing the inflammatory cascade surrounding degenerating neurons, delivering neurotrophic factors that support surviving cells, and creating a local environment more conducive to functional preservation of cerebellar circuitry.
Your Medical Board
The exact combination, dosage, sequencing and delivery method of all five components is determined individually by our medical board for each patient. No two treatment protocols are identical. Your programme is constructed based on your specific genetic subtype, disease stage, cerebellar and extracerebellar involvement, biological markers and clinical priorities.
Your protocol is designed individually. Speak with our medical team to understand what your personalised program would include.
Request ConsultationPatient Journey
Your case is reviewed remotely by our physician team. We assess your genetic diagnosis, current SARA/INAS status, medical history and treatment goals. This consultation is free and carries no obligation.
A detailed review of all medical documentation, including genetic test results. Our medical board evaluates eligibility, confirms safety parameters and designs your personalised therapeutic protocol.
Your cells are collected, isolated, expanded and quality-tested in our certified Warsaw laboratory. Each batch receives a full traceability certificate. This stage typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Cells are delivered by intravenous infusion or targeted local administration — no surgery, no general anaesthesia. Treatment is available at our Warsaw clinic or with our medical team at your location worldwide. Airport transfers, accommodation and visa support are included in the programme. Where clinically appropriate, our medical board may approve a travelling treatment programme — our medical team flies directly to the patient.
Structured rehabilitation sessions with our specialist, focused on cerebellar-specific coordination training, balance exercises, gait retraining and speech therapy. Available at our clinic or remotely coordinated with your local medical team.
Your dedicated coordinator monitors functional status, tracks SARA progression and provides clinical guidance. A medical-grade wearable bracelet supports continuous health tracking regardless of your location.
The first step is free. Request a medical consultation and our medical consultant will contact you within 24 hours.
Request ConsultationSafety Profile
Cellular therapy is considered safe when delivered under proper medical supervision and according to validated protocols. In our practice, the procedure is well-tolerated by the majority of SCA patients.
Temporary mild reactions — such as transient local discomfort at the infusion site, slight fatigue or low-grade temperature — may occur in a minority of patients. These are typically short-lived and indicate active immune engagement.
A final medical assessment is performed on-site before every treatment session. If a patient's status has changed, the programme may be temporarily modified or postponed for safety reasons.
All contraindications are evaluated individually. A contraindication in one clinical context does not necessarily preclude treatment in a different context — this is always determined by physician assessment.
Standard Contraindications
Active acute infection or fever
Active malignancy or ongoing chemotherapy / radiotherapy
Severe decompensated cardiac or renal failure
Pregnancy
Post-Treatment
Dedicated rehabilitation specialist
monitors coordination, balance, gait and speech function
Personalised rehabilitation programme
cerebellar-specific coordination training adapted to current functional capacity
Medical-grade wearable monitoring
continuous physiological data collection supporting clinical decision-making
Long-term coordinator support
proactive check-ins, SARA tracking and clinical guidance
Continued clinical access
our medical team remains available for ongoing reassessment and protocol adjustment
Biological regeneration in the cerebellum requires time, monitoring and adjustment. The post-treatment period is as medically important as the treatment itself — particularly in a progressive genetic condition where sustained follow-up determines long-term outcomes.
Get Started
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia, our medical team is available for a free, no-obligation medical consultation — based on your genetic diagnosis, current disease stage and individual clinical profile.
We review every inquiry personally. You will speak with a physician, not an administrator.
Submit your case online or by phone
Our medical consultant contacts you to review your documents
The medical board presents your personalised treatment plan
Request a Consultation
Tell us about your condition. Our medical consultant will contact you within 24 hours to review your documents.
Open Consultation FormMultilingual coordination — English, Italian, French, Russian, Polish
Evidence Base
Our clinical approach is informed by and consistent with published research in the field of regenerative medicine.
