Spinal cord injury treatments developed

In January 2007, a research team from Wake University announced that it had obtained stem cells from amniotic fluid and the placenta left over from pregnancy. This breakthrough was seen to be a new line of hope for patients with a variety of ailments including spinal cord injury and degenerative brain diseases. Stem cells have the potential to heal these areas of the body that do not naturally heal themselves, but a presidential ban on embryonic stem cells had severely hindered research efforts into researching the cells and eventually developing stem cells treatments.

At least one bio-tech company, Geron Corporation in Menlo Park, CA, showed positive results using amniotic fluid-derived stem cells six months before this announcement. One of its products in development was shown to help repair spinal cord injury in rats. Treated rats had 2.5 times more neurons near the injury site than untreated rats, which suggested to the scientists that not only does the treatment help prevent nerve damage, but it actually helps the nerves repair themselves, “potentially allowing new pathways for nerve conduction past the injury.”

During these studies, the researchers also identified the presence of a specific protein. Although this chemical was previously known, like most proteins scientists do not know its full function in the body. Finding the protein at the injury site of the treated rats suggests that it somehow helps in the healing process.

“The progress sets Geron apart in terms of leveraging our human embryonic stem cell platform into the development of multiple therapeutic products,” said Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., president and chief executive officer. “We are hopeful that these cell types will also demonstrate significant, long-term regenerative capacity in animal models, setting the stage for clinical trials in patients.”

The company is also developing a number of other stem cell-related treatments including a possible “cure” for diabetes, a treatment to help repair heart muscle in heart attack patients, and a treatment to help heal broken bones like hip fractures in the elderly.

However, the Geron Corporation said, its spinal cord treatment is the furthest along in studies. Even so, it is unlikely to reach the market for years.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates. Your injury is likely the result of a car accident, act of violence, or work-related injury. We may be able to help you secure a settlement from one or more parties to help you cope with medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Call Jim S. Adler & Associates directly right now, or fill in the form on this page with the details of your spinal cord injury. We will provide you with a free case review to help you decide your next move.