First neural stem cell trial launched for spinal cord injuryRSS Feed

A US company has launched the first neural stem cell trial in spinal cord injury, in a move which could revolutionise treatment for the condition.

StemCells Inc will use human neural stem cells which will be able to transform into any of the central nervous system cell types.

Leading the study is Dr Armin Curt, who is the chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Center at the University of Zurich and Medical Director of the Paraplegic Center at the Balgrist University Hospital.

He said: "In addition to our primary focus on assessing safety, the design of the trial will afford a very real near-term opportunity to observe possible benefits to the patient, which may include improved sensation, motor function, bowel or bladder function."

This comes after research published in the journal Cell Transplantation found that stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood cells and menstrual blood cells could be used to treat the brain injury seen in neurodegenerative disorders.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by spinal injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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