Regenerative Medicine in Vilnius
A Guide for US Patients

This page covers what's most relevant for US patients specifically: where things stand today, travel logistics, and what to expect. For the broader picture of treatments, the medical team, and the patient journey, see our main Lithuania guide.

The US regulatory landscape for regenerative medicine is actively changing. Several states — including Florida, Utah, and Nevada — have begun creating their own legal pathways for limited regenerative therapy access, and the broader conversation about expanding access continues at both state and federal levels.

As Director of Outreach for the American Academy of Stem Cell Medicine (AASCM), Jed Ryan is part of a community of physicians, scientists, and advocates working to facilitate a more favorable regulatory framework for stem cell and regenerative therapies in the United States. There is still significant work to be done.

In the meantime, there is a clear pathway for US patients who want access to advanced regenerative medicine and immunotherapy now: travel to a credible international destination where these treatments have been administered safely, in some cases for over 20 years. For many patients we work with, that destination is Innovita Clinic in Vilnius.

Most MSC stem cell therapies and exosome therapies are not currently FDA-approved. The FDA has approved a number of cell and gene therapies, primarily for cancer, blood disorders, and certain rare diseases. According to the FDA's own position, the only stem cell products currently approved for use in the United States are blood-forming stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, used for hematopoietic reconstitution.

State-level laws in Florida, Utah, and Nevada have created limited domestic access pathways, but those pathways remain narrow in scope.

Patients who travel to Lithuania for treatment do so under EU and Lithuanian regulation, not under FDA jurisdiction. This is a different regulatory framework, with different evidence, manufacturing, and authorization standards. We don't represent that any treatment available in Vilnius is FDA-approved or available in the US.

What this means in practice for US patients:

• Treatment can occur in Lithuania, under EU and Lithuanian medical regulation
• We stay in touch with clients following treatment, and advise you to continue with your current medical provider for any and all other medical care that isn't correlated to the treatment you'll be receiving in Lithuania

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is reached from the US by one connection through major European hubs. Most patients fly via:

• London (LHR or LGW) — connections from most major US cities
• Frankfurt (FRA) — strong connections from East Coast and major hubs
• Helsinki (HEL) — direct from JFK on Finnair, then short hop to Vilnius
• Amsterdam (AMS) — connections from most major US cities
• Warsaw (WAW) — connections from East Coast on LOT

Typical total travel times from the US:

• New York: 10-12 hours
• Boston: 10-12 hours
• Washington DC: 11-13 hours
• Chicago: 12-14 hours
• Atlanta: 12-14 hours
• Dallas: 13-15 hours
• Los Angeles: 14-16 hours
• San Francisco: 14-16 hours
• Miami: 12-14 hours

For most US patients, treatment is combined with a longer trip — typically 5-10 days total, depending on protocol.

For full travel detail — driver service, hotel recommendations, food, communication — see the main Lithuania guide.