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Meet Dr. Ernst von Schwarz, a triple board-certified clinical and academic cardiologist, and one of the world's foremost experts on stem cell research and anti-aging. Featured on Men's Health and a regular medical news contributor to TV and radio, Dr. von Schwarz is recognized globally as a pioneer in the field of stem cell research.
With over 25 years of experience participating in basic research studies and clinical trials involving stem cells for various medical conditions, Dr. von Schwarz has authored the groundbreaking book, The Secret World of Stem Cell Therapy. In this book, he offers readers an exclusive inside view into the world of stem cell therapy, providing expert advice on how to approach the subject, what questions to ask, and how to be alert to red flags.
Dr. von Schwarz is currently a clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and Director of Cardiology, Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, and Director of the Heart Institute at the Southern California Hospital at Culver City. He has published over 150 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed medical journals and authored several books and book chapters in cardiovascular medicine.
As a sought-after expert witness in high-profile court cases, Dr. von Schwarz is a prolific speaker who lectures worldwide at international scientific conferences, including the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and European Society of Cardiology, among many others.
In recent news, Dr. von Schwarz has been called upon to share his expert opinion on the latest biotechnology breakthroughs and the news that Sam Altman invested $180 million into a company trying to delay death and add 10 healthy years to the human lifespan.
With Dr. von Schwarz's extensive knowledge and experience in stem cell research and anti-aging, he is the go-to expert for anyone seeking advice on how to approach the subject of stem cell therapy and biotechnology. So we reached out to him and asked some questions.
Can you explain the potential benefits of stem cell therapy in modern medicine?
Stem cell therapy is the basis for what we now consider regenerative medicine that represents a shift from the conventional dogma of the all-or-nothing phenomenon (which means if there is damage from lack of oxygen or trauma or degeneration with advanced age that this is irreversible) to the possibility to repair damage by using stem cells.
How do you distinguish between legitimate and unsubstantiated claims about stem cell therapy?
Almost impossible for the layperson, I refer to my book “The Secret World of Stem Cell Therapy” which is supposed to serve as a guide for the public and possible stem cell patients on what questions to ask since the web mainly provides advertising and marketing rather than scientific facts.
What should someone considering stem cell therapy know before making a decision?
There is no cure for any disease using stem cell therapy, to date. Don’t believe spoken statements from companies, ask about their scientific data publications (which 99% don’t have).
Can you discuss your personal experience participating in basic research studies and clinical trials using stem cells?
Yes. How many months do you have to listen? I have been involved in stem cell research for over 20 years. Our first animal studies demonstrated that embryonic heart cells and stem cells transplanted into recipient animals after induced heart attacks could survive and contribute to improved heart function, which then started the hype on stem cell therapy, especially for cardiovascular diseases. The clinical trials are of utmost importance but very stringent in inclusion and exclusion criteria and therefore, are oftentimes not an option for the patients who would benefit the most from stem cells since they might be too sick to be considered for some studies.
As an expert on anti-aging, what breakthroughs in this field are you most excited about?
The fact that stem cells have the ability to work for so many different conditions, from arthritis to HIV to hair loss to erectile dysfunction to multiple sclerosis.
How do you think Sam Altman's investment in a company trying to delay death and add 10 healthy years to the human lifespan will impact the medical field?
There is a realistic goal to prolong life (see my upcoming book “The Secrets of Immortality” / Release date August 1, 2023) and to prolong heath span, which includes regenerative therapy using stem cells. It also includes other aspects such as diet and exercise as well as an individualized approach, there is no magic single pill to change longevity.
Can you speak about any upcoming research or projects in the field of cardiology that you are currently working on?
We are conducting several studies (in part patient funded) on chronic heart failure, erectile dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, dementia, and even autism in children in the near future, which requires substantial financial support by philanthropy. If someone wants to play a role in the future of modern medicine, we have the place to go to make a name (and more) long-lived and possibly immortal.
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