On August 22, 2024, Stem Cell Institute received an email inquiry from SF Chronicle investigative reporter, Susie Neilson regarding a story she is writing about Tony Robbins. Here is that email:
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From: Neilson, Susie <xxx@sfchronicle.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 22, 2024 at 1:09 PM
Subject: Hello // Questions from journalist
To: xxx@cellmedicine.com <xxx@cellmedicine.com>
To whom it may concern at the Stem Cell Institute,
My name is Susie Neilson and I am an investigative reporter with the San Francisco Chronicle. I am working on a story about a pair of scientific studies published by researchers at Stanford University and several other researchers on the benefits of immersive seminars held by Tony Robbins, the life coach.
Our reporting indicates that Mr. Robbins has attended your clinic, and has promoted it on his social media. Please let us know if that is not accurate.
Our reporting also indicates that your clinic claims its stem cell therapies can treat autism. However, a UC Davis stem cell researcher has said such a claim is not supported by evidence, and they would not attend your clinic as a result. What is your response to this criticism? If you have evidence to support your claim that stem cell therapies can treat autism, will you please share it with me?
Please respond to these points by September 18. Thank you for your time.
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Ms. Neilson sent a follow-up email on August 26, 2024:
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From: Neilson, Susie <xxx@sfchronicle.com>
Date: Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 12:48 PM
Subject: Re: Hello // Questions from journalist
To: xxx@cellmedicine.com <xxx@cellmedicine.com>
To whom it may concern,
My apologies – there was a misunderstanding and our deadline is actually September 6. Please respond by that date if possible.
—
Susie Neilson
Investigative Reporter, The San Francisco Chronicle
xxx.xxx.xxxx
xxx@sfchronicle.com
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Here are our complete answers:
Dear Ms. Neilson,
On Tony Robbins:
If you have questions about any public statements made by Mr. Robbins, we recommend reaching out to him directly to verify the accuracy of those statements.
On autism treatments:
We appreciate the concerns raised by members of the scientific community regarding the application of stem cell therapies for autism. Our clinic has always been transparent about the fact that stem cell research for autism is still in its early stages. While we believe in the potential of stem cell therapies to offer significant benefits, we do not claim that our treatments are a definitive cure for autism.
As stated in our previous response to an article in Spectrum News, our approach is based on encouraging preliminary results from studies and patient outcomes that suggest possible improvements in behavior and quality of life for some individuals. We understand that more extensive, randomized controlled trials are necessary to draw firm conclusions, and we are committed to contributing to this ongoing research.
We respect the diverse opinions within the scientific community and believe that a balanced, evidence-based approach is crucial for advancing our understanding of stem cell therapies. We encourage continued dialogue and collaboration to explore the potential of these therapies responsibly.
Sincerely,
Stem Cell Institute
Panama City, Panama