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.
The 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.
Minimally invasive administration
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
MSCs are immunoprivileged: they express low levels of HLA-I, lack HLA-II and carry a minimal risk of rejection whether the protocol is autologous or allogeneic. Allogeneic MSC protocols do not require immunosuppression.
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.
Patients from around the world
We work with patients from around the world. Airport transfers, accommodation, visa support and multilingual coordination are included in every treatment programme.
What It Is
T-regs are specialised immune cells that suppress excessive and misdirected inflammatory responses within the nervous system. They function as the immune system's intrinsic mechanism for preventing collateral damage to healthy neural tissue.
How It Is Done
Delivered autologously (from the patient's own blood) or allogeneically (from a certified donor), based on the patient's immune profile and clinical assessment. Preparation and quality testing performed in our laboratory.
Biological Mechanisms
How This Helps in Spinocerebellar Ataxia
CAG repeat-driven protein aggregation in SCA activates microglial and astrocytic inflammatory responses that accelerate neuronal loss beyond what the genetic mutation alone would cause. T-regs counteract this secondary immune-mediated damage, reducing the rate of Purkinje cell destruction and preserving cerebellar function for longer.
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 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. Airport transfers, accommodation and visa support are included in the programme for international patients.
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.
Patient Stories
“My mother went from needing a wheelchair for anything outside the apartment back to using her cane for short walks. We went through the programme together, 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 ConsultationPatient Cases
Documented treatment outcomes recorded by the BioCells Medical team after personalised regenerative medicine protocols.
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.
