Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine in Indiana: What’s Legal and What to Know

Last reviewed: 5/2026 · Verify current state guidance before relying on any specific claim

Indiana enacted one of the earlier state Right to Try laws — House Enrolled Act 1065 of 2015, signed by then-Governor Mike Pence on March 24, 2015. The Indiana law is based on Goldwater Institute model legislation and establishes a state-sanctioned access pathway to investigational drugs, biological products, and devices for terminally ill patients. Indiana also includes specific provisions in the Indiana Code addressing fetal and embryonic stem cell research, generally permitting use of stem cells from federally-permissible lines and from properly-consented fetal sources. The Indiana Medical Licensing Board regulates physicians. There is no Indiana-specific commercial stem cell statute beyond these provisions.

For the federal framework that applies in every state — FDA regulation of cell and tissue products under 21 CFR Part 1271, the 361/351 distinction, FDA enforcement history, and the federal Right to Try Act — see How Regenerative Medicine Is Regulated in the United States.

Indiana’s Right to Try Act

Indiana’s Right to Try Law, House Enrolled Act 1065 (2015), established Indiana as one of the early adopters of state-level access to investigational drugs for terminally ill patients. The Act is part of the 2015 Acts of the Indiana General Assembly (2015 Acts of the Indiana General Assembly — PDF).

Indiana Code definitions related to investigational drugs are at IC § 16-18-2-56.5.

A practitioner-oriented overview from Taft Stettinius & Hollister is available at Indiana’s Right to Try Law (Taft Law).

Indiana’s law operates in parallel with the federal Right to Try Act of 2018. The Indiana statute does not authorize clinics to offer unapproved stem cell, exosome, or peptide therapies outside the narrow conditions of the Act — terminal diagnosis, exhausted FDA-approved options, physician recommendation, access through the actual sponsor of an investigational product.

Indiana’s Fetal and Embryonic Stem Cell Provisions

Indiana Code includes specific provisions on stem cell sources. Indiana law generally allows:

  • Fetal stem cell research and use, provided the biological parent has given written consent for the use of the fetal stem cells.
  • Embryonic stem cell research using cell lines that are permissible for use under applicable federal law.

[VERIFY exact Indiana Code citation — typically within IC Title 16 (Health) and IC Title 35 (criminal law provisions on embryo research) — before relying on the specific terms.]

These provisions distinguish Indiana from states with broader prohibitions on embryonic stem cell research or from states (like Michigan) with constitutional frameworks specifically authorizing such research.

The Indiana Medical Licensing Board

The Indiana Medical Licensing Board, within the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, licenses and regulates allopathic and osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, and several allied practitioner categories. The Board operates under Indiana Code Title 25, Article 22.5 (Medicine).

As of late 2025 [VERIFY current Board publications], the Board has not issued a comprehensive standalone policy on commercial stem cell, PRP, NAD+, or peptide therapy. Standard practice-of-medicine rules apply.

Indiana’s Regenerative Medicine Research Activity

Indiana hosts active regenerative medicine research at several institutions:

  • Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis) — basic and translational stem cell research.
  • Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center — hematologic cell therapy programs.
  • University of Notre Dame — stem cell biology research.
  • Purdue University — biomedical engineering and regenerative medicine research, particularly tissue engineering.

Patients in Indiana with an interest in legitimate experimental access should search clinicaltrials.gov for active trials at these institutions before considering cash-pay options at commercial clinics.

IV Therapy and NAD+ in Indiana

NAD+ intravenous therapy is broadly available in Indiana. Registered nurses may administer IV under physician orders, and Indiana’s APRN scope-of-practice framework allows nurse practitioners to prescribe and supervise IV therapy within their scope (subject to specific collaborative agreement requirements). IV lounges, mobile IV services, and concierge IV providers operate in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and other metros.

NAD+ itself is compounded through 503A or 503B pharmacies and is not FDA-approved for any indication. Patients pay out of pocket.

Telemedicine and Out-of-State Providers

Indiana is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Indiana residents can establish telehealth relationships with out-of-state physicians licensed through the compact.

Notable Enforcement

The FDA’s public Warning Letter database is the authoritative source for federal enforcement against specific Indiana-based clinics [VERIFY against current list]. The 2021 federal injunction in United States v. US Stem Cell Clinic, LLC applies in Indiana as in every state.

Indiana has not been a notable focus of state attorney general action against the commercial regenerative medicine sector.

Cost and Clinic Landscape

Regenerative medicine clinics in Indiana cluster in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, Bloomington, and Carmel. Celmedica currently lists [X] verified clinics across Indiana — pull live count.

Typical out-of-pocket pricing in Indiana (representative ranges; individual clinics vary):

  • PRP joint injection: $450 – $1,200 per session
  • Autologous stem cell injection (single joint or area): $4,500 – $9,000
  • NAD+ IV (single drip): $375 – $800
  • Peptide protocols: $200 – $1,200 per month, varies by compound

Insurance generally does not cover regenerative therapies. Some orthopedic indications for PRP are occasionally covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stem cell therapy legal in Indiana? Indiana has no statute prohibiting commercial stem cell therapy. Practitioners operate under federal FDA rules and Indiana Medical Licensing Board practice standards. Indiana Code includes specific provisions permitting fetal stem cell research (with parental consent) and embryonic stem cell research from federally-permissible lines.

Does Indiana’s Right to Try Act cover stem cell therapy? Only in the narrow case of investigational stem cell products that have completed FDA Phase 1 trials, for a patient with a terminal illness, accessed through the actual product sponsor. The law does not authorize a clinic to offer unapproved stem cell therapy as a routine cash-pay service.

When did Indiana pass its Right to Try Act? March 24, 2015, when then-Governor Mike Pence signed House Enrolled Act 1065. Indiana was one of the earlier states to adopt Right to Try legislation.

Can I get NAD+ IV therapy in Indiana? Yes. NAD+ IV is broadly available through clinics, IV lounges, and mobile services. The therapy is compounded and not FDA-approved for any indication; pricing is out of pocket.

How much does stem cell therapy cost in Indiana? Autologous stem cell injections for a single joint typically range $4,500–$9,000 in Indiana metros. PRP runs $450–$1,200. Clinical-trial participation at IU School of Medicine or the Simon Cancer Center is sometimes available.

Bottom Line

Indiana combines an early-adopter Right to Try framework with specific statutory provisions addressing stem cell sources (fetal and embryonic). For commercial stem cell therapy, the federal framework dominates; Indiana adds its own Right to Try statute and Medical Licensing Board practice rules. Patients should focus on physician credentials, FDA product classification of the specific therapy, and whether clinical-trial access is available at IU School of Medicine, the Simon Cancer Center, Purdue, or Notre Dame before considering cash-pay options.

Next steps:

[FTC affiliate disclosure block]: Some links in this guide may earn Celmedica a commission at no additional cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.

[Medical disclaimer]: This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice. State laws and regulatory guidance change. Verify current rules with the Indiana Medical Licensing Board and the FDA, and consult a qualified physician before pursuing any therapy.

References

For the federal regulatory citations, see the federal baseline references.

Indiana-specific: