An Ecuadorian stem cell expert said on September 24 that transplants of autologous adult bone marrow stem cells restored some function in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients who have been paralyzed for an average of four years, some up to 22 years.
Dr. Luis Geffner presented a preliminary report on the clinical trial on September 17 at a meeting of neurological surgeons in San Diego.
Thirty-eight patients with SCI were treated from May 2006 to August 2007 at Luis Vernaza Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
They were treated with autologous bone marrow stem cells extracted from the patients’ own bone marrow, taken from the hip bone (iliac crests).
Of the 25 patients who provided more than three months and up to 14 months follow up: 15 gained the ability to stand up, 10 could walk on the parallels with braces, seven could walk without braces and five could walk with crutches.
Three patients recovered full bladder control, and 10 patients regained some form of sexual function.
No adverse events or abnormal reactions to implantation were observed.
“Ongoing studies will help us clarify the benefits and any possible detriments to this approach, but so far this study demonstrates that bone marrow stem cells are safe for spinal cord injury patients,” said Geffner, director of the stem cells program at the Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil.
He emphasized that this work was done with the help and support of Junta de Beneficencia, Benemerita Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cancer (SOLCA), and with the research support and pre-clinical studies performed by Irvine, Calif.-based PrimeCell Therapeutics LLC.
“By implanting an adult’s own bone marrow stem cells, we’ve seen significant improvements in the quality of life for those who suffer from spinal cord injuries. In addition, we are learning valuable information that will eventually help us apply other adult cells for spinal cord injury such as reprogrammed adult germ cells,” said Francisco Silva, executive vice president of research and development for PrimeCell Therapeutics. “We’re encouraged by the results. This approach may be useful for patients who cannot be treated by conventional medicine.”
More information on the study is available upon request, including video of some patients who underwent treatment.
PrimeCell Therapeutics is devoted exclusively to germ line stem cell reprogramming.
Contact: http://www.primecelltherapeutics.com
