Former NFL Players Show Interest in Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapies
“We are thrilled about the tremendous response we received from our members for this survey,” said Kyle Richardson, board member and Co-Director of Healthcare Initiatives, NFL Alumni Association. “This report sends a clear message: Regenerative medicine is something that our members are interested in exploring, some have tried it, and many others are thinking about it but need more information about how and where to seek safe and effective therapies and treatments, especially for musculoskeletal conditions.”
As part of its “Care for Our Own” initiative, NFLA partnered with the Alliance for Cell Therapy Now (ACT Now) — an independent, non-profit collaboration of leaders representing academic and medical institutions, industry innovators, health care providers, and patients—and Sanford Health—one of the largest health systems in the United States and a member of ACT Now—to develop, conduct, and summarize the results of this survey.
Nearly 1,300 NFLA members responded to the survey with half indicating that they have considered RMCTs. About nine percent of respondents have been treated using these therapies, and an additional 36 percent have considered these therapies as treatment options.
Two-thirds of respondents stated that regenerative medicine and cell therapies addressed their concerns. Importantly, the vast majority of respondents to the NFLA survey—83 percent—expressed interest in learning more about regenerative medicine and cell therapies, including ongoing clinical trials.
FDA-regulated clinical trials are now underway for conditions common to former NFL players, including degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and neurological conditions. Regenerative medicine and cell therapies are increasingly expected to serve as an alternative or adjunct to current treatments for patients in need.
Over the coming months, NFLA, in collaboration with Alliance for Cell Therapy Now, will provide NFLA members with educational resources to gain a better understanding of the science behind RMCTs and their benefits and risks. NFLA will also provide guidance from health experts for members who may be interested in joining FDA-approved clinical trials that are available for various conditions, including musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
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About NFL Alumni Association
NFL Alumni was founded in 1967 and is the oldest and most recognizable national organization of retired professional athletes. NFL Alumni consists of former NFL players, coaches, executives, spouses, cheerleaders, and associate members. Part of NFL Alumni’s dual mission is “Caring for Kids”. Player alumni give back in their local communities by raising funds for youth-related charities through their 35 regional chapters. It is a tradition that has existed for more than 50 years. Alumni support typically raises more than $1.5 million dollars for worthwhile causes. The other half of NFLA’s mission, “Caring for our Own” is to serve, assist and inform its members and their families. Alumni members are offered a diverse package of wellness, business, career, and legal services to help members and their families be healthy, productive, and connected to one another. To learn more please visit: https://www.nflalumni.org/
About Alliance for Cell Therapy Now
Alliance for Cell Therapy Now (ACT Now) is an independent, non-profit organization guided by leaders representing numerous academic and medical institutions, industry innovators, and patients. ACT Now convenes experts, researchers, and stakeholders to expand the evidence base and develop and advance sound policies that will improve the development, manufacturing, delivery, and improvement of regenerative medicine and cell therapies for patients in need. See https://allianceforcelltherapynow.org//
About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 46 hospitals, 1,400 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and 10 countries. Learn more about Sanford Health’s transformative work to improve the human condition at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.
Media Contact:
Dominic Gaspari
memberservices@nflalumni.org, 973-241-5156
