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Today's announcement on the beginning of Phase 1 Human Trials of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord injury marks a milestone in the world of science and technology.
Stem Cells will be used to treat humans for the first time to attempt to repair injuries in the spinal cord. The stem cells are injected into the patient and help to repair the connectivity in nerves which when severed, can never repair on their own. Stem cells are unique in that they have the ability to turn into many different types of cells and in this process, the stem cells work to repair the transmissions through the nerves and spinal cord.
In clinical trials, mice which were paralysed in the experiment were able to regain some function of their rear legs with this stem cell treatment, giving hope to paraplegics around the world. If successful over time, this treatment might allow paraplegics to walk again.
This is the first significant milestone in what may be known as 'The Age of the Stem Cell' and we may forever see medical treatments revolutionised from this day forward.
In the world’s first rigorous clinical trial of a groundbreaking new therapy, millions of stem cells derived from human embryos have been injected into the crushed spine of a paralyzed patient. The experiment in the United States marks a big step forward for the field and, if all goes well, could open the door to therapies that promise to heal traumatic injuries. Stem cells, the precursors to the other cells in our body, can regenerate and help repair tissue. In the experiment, the cells are expected to coat the damaged spinal cord and repair the nerves. If successful, the treatment is supposed to allow the patient to regain some of the movement lost due to injury. Scientists around the world are watching the results closely, with British researcher Chris Mason telling reporters the trial marks “the dawn of the ‘stem-cell age.’ ” “Without question, this represents a major landmark, it’s a new threshold we’re passing through,” said Michael Rudnicki, scientific director of Canada’s Stem Cell Network. “It’s a very important trial and I hope it will be successful.” via U.S. trial marks dawn of the ‘stem-cell age’ - The Globe and MailFind a better phone plan
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