A neutral comparison of the three main regenerative treatments available in Thailand.
These three treatments are frequently sold interchangeably. They are not interchangeable. Each is a different biological product with a different evidence base and a different price.
| PRP | UC-MSC | Exosomes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Concentrated platelets from your own blood | Living mesenchymal stromal cells from donated umbilical cord tissue | Cell-free vesicles secreted by cultured cells |
| Source | Autologous (you) | Allogeneic (donor) | Derived from cultured cells |
| Evidence strength | Strongest for tendon and joint pain | Moderate, mostly small trials | Early / preclinical for most uses |
| Typical cost | $300 – $1,200 | $4,000 – $12,000 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Best suited to | Localised joint or tendon pain | Systemic inflammatory or degenerative conditions | Adjunct use, skin and recovery |
| Main caveat | Preparation quality varies widely | Dose and viability vary widely | Least standardised of the three |
PRP
Drawn from your own blood and spun to concentrate platelets and growth factors. Affordable, same-day, and the best-evidenced of the three for tendinopathy and mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. Preparation protocol matters — platelet concentration between clinics varies by several multiples.
UC-MSC
Living cells cultured from donated umbilical cord tissue. Used both by IV infusion for systemic conditions and by injection into joints. This is the product where cell count, viability and sterility testing matter most — quality clinics provide the certificate of analysis as standard.
Exosomes
Vesicles secreted by cultured cells, containing signalling molecules but no living cells. Appealing because no live cells are administered. The evidence base is the newest of the three, so look for clinics that describe their product standardisation and frame outcomes realistically.
Which one suits you
- Single painful joint, moderate arthritis, budget-sensitive → start with PRP.
- Systemic autoimmune, neurological or metabolic condition → UC-MSC is what is actually being studied.
- Skin, hair or recovery adjunct → exosomes, with realistic expectations.
The extended version of this comparison is in our treatment comparison guide.
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