Could Stem Cell “Particles” Offer a New Way to Treat Chronic Nerve Pain?

Key details

• UK research: A University of Reading team has been awarded funding to explore whether tiny particles produced by stem cells could offer a new way to treat chronic nerve pain.[1]
• Not the cells, but what they release: The project focuses on extracellular vesicles - minuscule packages that stem cells use to communicate with other cells, and which are known to have a modulating effect on the immune system.[1]
• A different approach to pain: Rather than masking pain, the researchers hope the particles can reduce the persistent inflammation that keeps long-lasting pain going.[1]
• Early stage: This is laboratory and animal research, plus analysis of patient blood samples.

A fresh approach to a problem that is hard to treat

Chronic nerve pain is difficult to treat, and many people are left without good pain management options. The research team at the University of Reading’s School of Pharmacy is testing a different idea: that extracellular vesicles, tiny particles released by stem cells, could help alleviate the pain by targeting its source.[1]

The work, known as the RESOLVE project, is led by Dr Maria Maiarú, working with Professor Darius Widera and Dr Graeme Cottrell. “We think these tiny stem cell particles could offer something genuinely different,” says Dr Maiarú. “Rather than masking pain, they may be able to reset the processes that keep it going in the first place. That is a very different approach to anything currently available.”[1]

What are stem cell extracellular vesicles?

These particles - known to scientists as extracellular vesicles - are released naturally from stem cells, as a way of sending signals to other cells. They could help reduce inflammation and are known to calm the immune system.[1]

They form part of a growing area of regenerative medicine. Increasingly, researchers think much of the benefit of mesenchymal stem cells comes not only from the cells replacing damaged tissue, but also from the helpful signals they send out. By studying these particles directly, researchers hope to understand and, potentially, harness their regenerative potential.[2][3]

What the project will do

Alongside laboratory and animal testing, the team will analyse blood samples from 128 patients with nerve pain to identify signals that could help predict which patients would benefit most from future treatments. The project brings together partners across Germany, Lithuania, Romania and Croatia, with a total budget of just over €1.19 million shared among five partner institutions.[1]

As with any project at this stage, the aim is to investigate their biological effects and whether they may have therapeutic potential. While there is no patient treatment yet, the research is focused on understanding stem cell-derived signals that may one day inform future therapeutic approaches.

What this means for parents who store cord blood and tissue

Mesenchymal stem cells - including those found in umbilical cord tissue - are among the most studied sources of the particles at the heart of this research. Cord tissue is particularly rich in these cells[4], which is part of why families choose to store it at birth with Cells4Life.

The Reading project does not specify which stem cells its particles come from, and it is early-stage research rather than a treatment. However, it is a good example of why interest in mesenchymal stem cells, and what they release, keeps growing - and why setting aside a sample at birth helps keep your options open as the science develops.

To learn more about the regenerative potential of cord blood and cord tissue stem cells, and how to store your baby’s at birth, request your free Cells4Life Welcome Pack.

References

[1] University of Reading. “Stem cell particles study set to tackle chronic nerve pain.” 1 June 2026. https://www.reading.ac.uk/news/2026/Research-News/Stem-cell-particles-study-set-to-tackle-chronic-nerve-pain

[2] Wu, Y., Xu, R., Li, Y., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and their derived extracellular vesicles for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 16, 522. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04644-4

[3] Lanzoni, G., et al. (2021). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome: a double-blind, phase 1/2a, randomized controlled trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 10(5), 660-673. https://doi.org/10.1002/sctm.20-0472

[4] Comparative Analysis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, and Umbilical Cord Blood as Sources of Cell Therapy (2013). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(9), 17986-18001. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/14/9/17986