Download MEDIA RELEASE ATTENTION DARWIN MEDIA: Dr Ralph Bright will

MEDIA RELEASE
ATTENTION DARWIN MEDIA: Dr Ralph Bright will be available for interviews, photos and filming at the
clinic of NT Medical Specialist, 21 Vanderlin Ave, Wanguri between 10.30am and 11.30am on Monday
20 March. Case studies available on request.
Northern Territory leads drive to new stem cell therapy
Revolutionary treatment uses stem cells from patient’s own fat tissue
Monday 20 March 2017: Territorians with arthritis and other joint problems are achieving
remarkable results via a revolutionary procedure that derives adult stem cells from the person’s
adipose tissue (fat) and then injects it into their hips, knees and joints.
The technique separates stem cells from fat by a patented method called the ultrasonic
cavitation technique in which stem cells are isolated using a form of ultrasound. Some of the
stem cells are then injected into the affected joints and some intravenously to treat conditions
such as osteoarthritis, cartilage tears and tendon tears.
Macquarie Stem Cells is the first clinic to introduce the technique in Australia and the early
results for patients from the NT are highly promising. The first patient treated from Darwin was in
February 2015. This patient has maintained his improvements and he now has full function of
his joints without the need for joint surgery or replacement.
Some Territorians have been travelling to Sydney for the treatment but stem cell specialist Dr
Ralph Bright is set to open a new regular clinic in Darwin. Dr Bright says there is now ample
evidence to support the use of adipose stem cells in conditions like osteoarthritis which are
typically difficult to treat.
“This therapy is the only first line treatment that improves tissue in the joint rather than just
relieving pain or destroying tissue surgically,” said Dr Bright.
Stem cell therapy has a safety record demonstrated over many years in both humans and
animals. “It is highly effective with an extremely positive safety profile,” said Dr Bright.
Darwin general practitioner Dr Salah Khan has referred a number of patients for stem cell
therapy. He says the results have been very positive in all cases.
“I refer my arthritis patients for stem cell treatment because joint replacement is not the best
option for many of them. I want to be able to help these people instead of telling them to go
home, take some pills and deal with the pain. The stem cell treatment has been very effective
and all of the patients I have referred are now relatively pain free. I have looked further with xrays before and after the treatment for one of my patients - and he was at a stage where he was
almost bone on bone in his knees - his new x-ray is showing cartilage growth.” said Dr Khan.
Page 1 of 2
Dr Ralph Bright from Macquarie Stem Cells has been treating patients with adipose since 2009
for osteoarthritis. He is one of the most experienced stem cell physicians in Australia.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS
Martin Palin
Palin Communications
02 9412 2255 / 0418 419 258
[email protected]
Maya Ivanovic
Palin Communications
02 9412 2255 / 0403 354 305
[email protected]
Page 2 of 2