Xan Chuah Yee Chien
Senior Therapist
Xan graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from National Chiayi University and has four years of experience working as a small
Coming SoonIn partnership with StemCellX
Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs & Cats
Singapore's first stem cell therapy for pets — coming soon.
RehabVet is partnering with StemCellX to bring Singapore its first stem cell therapy for pets — a regenerative approach designed to target the source of joint pain, not just mask it. Join the waitlist to be among the first to know when it launches.
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Our science partner
StemCellX is a regenerative-medicine company whose international team of stem cell, genetics and regulatory scientists works alongside veterinarians to develop licensed therapies for osteoarthritis. RehabVet is bringing their science to Singapore — paired with the rehabilitation expertise that helps results last.
Regenerative medicine, arriving in Singapore
A new option for pets living with joint pain
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine. Instead of only managing symptoms, it aims to support the body's own repair processes — calming inflammation and helping damaged joint tissue recover.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unique cells that can self-renew and develop into different cell types. Because of this, they can help build and repair tissue in the body — which is why they are of such great interest to regenerative medicine.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
The therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells — the body's natural tissue-repair cells, found in tissues like fat and bone marrow. Once purified and expanded in a clean laboratory, they can be used to support joint repair.
Why it's different
Most joint medications slow the disease or ease pain but don't rebuild tissue. Regenerative approaches aim to modulate inflammation and support healing at the source — a fundamentally different goal.
The science, in plain language
How stem cell therapy works
StemCellX develops a ready-to-use allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell product (ADStem) for osteoarthritis in animals. Here is what the current science tells us about how MSCs act inside a joint.
Calm inflammation
MSCs target inflammation and modulate the local immune response in the joint, which can help reduce pain and swelling.
Protect existing tissue
They reduce cell death and help prevent the formation of scar tissue, protecting the cartilage and structures that remain.
Support regeneration
MSCs positively affect metabolism at the injection site and are studied for their role in promoting tissue repair and the formation of new blood vessels.
Ethically sourced, ready to use
StemCellX uses allogeneic cells from healthy, screened donors — prepared, quality-controlled and packaged as a single, ready-to-use dose, rather than harvested from your own pet.
Illustrative only — mesenchymal stem cells acting within a joint.
Allogeneic vs autologous — why the source matters
Autologous treatments use a pet's own cells, which must be harvested and cultured. StemCellX instead uses allogeneic MSCs from orthopaedically healthy donors. In their studies, allogeneic MSCs have been as safe to use as autologous cells, while being consistent, screened and ready off the shelf.
What the evidence shows so far
ADStem — StemCellX's allogeneic, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell product — has been studied for canine osteoarthritis across early research, long-term follow-up, and controlled clinical trials. Highlights from StemCellX's clinical programme (as of June 2026) are summarised below; full peer-reviewed sources are listed at the bottom of this page.
Stem cell therapy for animals is an emerging, still-evolving field. Trial results describe groups of dogs under study conditions — they are not a guarantee for every pet. Results vary between individuals, and it is not suitable for every pet or condition — a veterinary assessment always comes first.
Clinical programme
ADStem efficacy & safety, at a glance
StemCellX's ADStem programme for canine osteoarthritis has progressed from early research through long-term follow-up and EMA-informed controlled trials. Figures below are programme results reported by StemCellX — not a promise of the same outcome for every pet.
83%
Long-term lameness benefit
In a published long-term follow-up of 58 dogs, 83% improved or retained improvement in lameness at 3–5 years after treatment.
100%
Target-dose weight bearing
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept / dose-determination programme (EMA-endorsed design), 100% of dogs treated at the target dose showed improved weight bearing of the treated leg at 8 weeks.
>95%
GCP pivotal confirmation
In the full GCP dose-confirmation pivotal trial (2026), more than 95% of dogs treated at the target dose had improved weight bearing at the same 8-week primary endpoint.
1
Ready-to-use injection
ADStem is designed as a single, quality-controlled allogeneic dose — not harvested from your own pet — with safety follow-up extending years in earlier cohorts.
- 2017
Early clinical research
30 dogs of various breeds and ages; single injection for elbow osteoarthritis; owner-based lameness assessment with 1-year efficacy follow-up (peer-reviewed).
- 2020
Long-term safety & efficacy
58 dogs followed long-term. No enrichment in chronic diseases or causes of death versus expected norms; 83% improved or retained lameness improvement at 3–5 years (peer-reviewed).
- 2024–26
Controlled clinical trials
EMA-endorsed study design. Double-blind, placebo-controlled work with primary endpoint of weight bearing at 8 weeks, plus owner pain scores (CBPI), clinical examination scores, and comprehensive safety analysis. Target-dose cohorts: 100% (PoC / dose determination) and >95% (GCP pivotal) with improved weight bearing.
A comprehensive approach to product safety
- Long-term follow-up of treated dogs, with peer-reviewed safety publications
- Rigorous in-process quality control and pathogen testing — including GLP-level screening for a broad panel of canine pathogens (agreed with the EMA), plus sterility testing of the final product
- Strict donor quality criteria and ethical sourcing of allogeneic stem cells
- Purpose-built GMP production facility and industrial-scale manufacturing controls
- Target-animal safety work focused on immune responses, including high-dose repeat-treatment study design agreed with the EMA
What it may help
Conditions we're exploring
StemCellX's programme centres on osteoarthritis, and regenerative medicine is being studied across a range of joint and soft-tissue problems. At launch, RehabVet will assess candidacy case by case — these are the areas of focus.
Primary focus
Osteoarthritis & degenerative joint disease
The main focus of the therapy — chronic joint wear that causes pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, especially in older pets.
Hip & elbow dysplasia
Developmental joint conditions that commonly progress to osteoarthritis and lameness.
Being explored
Cruciate & ligament / tendon injuries
Soft-tissue injuries around the joint where regenerative support may complement rehabilitation.
Post-surgical joint recovery
Supporting joint healing alongside a structured rehabilitation programme after orthopaedic surgery.
Chronic joint pain & mobility loss
Persistent lameness and stiffness that has not responded adequately to conventional management.
Osteoarthritis in cats
Feline joint disease is under-recognised and painful; candidacy will be assessed individually as the therapy is introduced.
Suitability for stem cell therapy is always determined by a veterinary assessment. Not every condition or pet is a candidate, and the therapy is offered as part of a broader, individualised care plan.
Why RehabVet + StemCellX
Cutting-edge science, delivered with rehab expertise
A treatment is only as good as the care around it. RehabVet pairs StemCellX's regenerative science with Singapore's most experienced veterinary rehabilitation team — so your pet is supported before, during and long after treatment.
A credible science partner
StemCellX is a regenerative-medicine company built by an international team of stem cell, genetics and regulatory scientists. Their ADStem programme is backed by peer-reviewed publications, controlled clinical trials, and intellectual property filings across multiple markets — including Singapore.
Rehabilitation that makes it last
Treatment works best when paired with rehab. Our physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and conditioning programmes help rebuild strength and protect the joint after treatment.
Assessment-first, no overpromising
We start with a thorough assessment of your pet's gait, history and imaging, and give you honest, measured guidance on whether the therapy is appropriate.
Trusted by Singapore's pet owners
Singapore's first and most established veterinary rehabilitation clinic, with thousands of pets helped and a 5-star reputation for compassionate, evidence-based care.
What to expect
Your pet's journey, step by step
When the therapy launches, care will follow a clear, unhurried pathway — built around your pet's comfort and a realistic understanding of the outcome.
Step 1
Assessment & candidacy
A full rehabilitation consultation — gait analysis, history and review of any imaging — to determine whether stem cell therapy is appropriate for your pet.
Step 2
The treatment
StemCellX's therapy is designed around a single, ready-to-use injection into the affected joint, performed under appropriate veterinary care.
Step 3
Rehabilitation & recovery
A tailored rehab plan — controlled activity, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy where suitable — to help your pet get the most from the treatment.
Step 4
Follow-up & monitoring
We track mobility, comfort and function over time and adjust the plan, because recovery is a journey rather than a single event.
Our People
Meet the RehabVet Team
Qualified rehabilitation and hydrotherapy specialists, dedicated to your pet's recovery.
Founder
Dr. Sara Lam
Founder & Lead Veterinarian
BVSc (Sydney), CCRT, CVA
Dr Sara founded RehabVet with a vision to give Singapore's pets comprehensive rehabilitation care. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney, is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) — and has built RehabVet into Singapore's leading animal rehabilitation clinic.
Sean Tan
Senior Therapist
Having been in the equestrian sector with Way Of The Horse since 2012, Sean is an experienced horse trainer and manager.
Joyce Ho
Senior Therapist
Joyce came from a pet grooming background where she has learnt valuable tips in being able to handle an animal with patience and care.
Hazel Lim
Therapist
Hazel holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from AIMST University in Malaysia.
Claire
Client Relations, Marketing & Business Development Manager
Claire supports the clinic's daily operations, social media, marketing, events, partnerships and client relations, aiming to make every
FAQs
Questions owners are asking
Honest answers about safety, candidacy and what to expect. If your question isn't here, add it when you join the waitlist and we'll follow up personally.
StemCellX's ADStem programme includes long-term follow-up of treated dogs, peer-reviewed safety publications, and rigorous manufacturing controls — including broad pathogen screening of donor material and sterility testing of the final product. Earlier long-term follow-up did not show enrichment in chronic disease or causes of death compared with expected norms. As with any medical treatment, there are still risks, and safety depends on your pet's individual health — which is exactly why every case begins with a veterinary assessment.
The therapy is designed around a single injection into the affected joint, given under appropriate veterinary care to keep your pet comfortable. We'll explain the full process during your assessment.
StemCellX's product (ADStem) is designed so that one injection is intended to substantially reduce osteoarthritis symptoms. Your pet's rehabilitation plan around the treatment will be tailored individually.
In StemCellX's published long-term follow-up, 83% of dogs improved or retained improvement in lameness at 3–5 years. In later double-blind, placebo-controlled work with an EMA-endorsed design, 100% of dogs at the target dose (proof-of-concept / dose determination) and more than 95% in the GCP pivotal dose-confirmation trial showed improved weight bearing of the treated leg at 8 weeks. These are study results under trial conditions — not a guarantee for every pet. We'll set realistic expectations with you after assessment.
Every pet is different. Controlled trials used an 8-week primary endpoint for weight bearing; some owners notice functional change over a number of weeks when rest and rehab are followed carefully. We'll set realistic expectations with you and monitor progress over time.
The strongest current evidence is in dogs with osteoarthritis, and the technology platform can be adapted to other species. Feline candidacy will be assessed individually as the therapy is introduced — join the waitlist and we'll advise you personally.
They are allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells — ethically sourced from healthy, screened donor animals, then purified, quality-controlled in a GMP setting and prepared as a ready-to-use dose. They are not harvested from your own pet.
We're finalising details ahead of launch and haven't set a public date yet. Join the waitlist and you'll be the first to hear about availability, pricing and how to book an assessment — with no obligation.
Coming Soon
Be first in line when it launches
Join the waitlist and we'll personally let you know the moment stem cell therapy is available at RehabVet — with early access to assessments and no obligation.
- Priority notification when we launch
- A no-obligation candidacy assessment
- Honest, measured guidance from our rehab team
Our commitment
Our commitment to honest, measured care
Stem cell therapy is a promising but still-evolving area of veterinary medicine. We will never overpromise or guarantee a cure. Every recommendation is grounded in an individual veterinary assessment, current evidence, and what is genuinely in the best interest of your pet.
References & further reading
- Kriston-Pál É, et al. A Regenerative Approach to Canine Osteoarthritis Using Allogeneic, Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Safety Results of a Long-Term Follow-Up. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2020);7:510. View source
- Kriston-Pál É, et al. Characterization and therapeutic application of canine adipose mesenchymal stem cells to treat elbow osteoarthritis. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research (2017);81(1):73-78. View source
- Pekker E, et al. Development of a Large-Scale Pathogen Screening Test for the Biosafety Evaluation of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biological Procedures Online (2023);25:33. View source
- Pekker E, et al. Comprehensive bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing uncovers senescence-associated biomarkers in therapeutic mesenchymal stem cells. Scientific Reports (2025). View source
- StemCellX — Our Technology (mesenchymal stem cells, allogeneic sourcing, production). View source
- StemCellX — ADStem product (allogeneic MSC therapy for osteoarthritis). View source