Transplants Using Adult Bone Marrow Stem Cells Restore Functions For Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopaedics;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 26 Sep 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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PrimeCell™ Therapeutics LLC announced that it provided research support and pre-clinical studies for a clinical trial that involved the implantation of autologous adult bone marrow stem cells into spinal cord injury (SCI) patients - resulting in some restored function for patients who have been paralyzed for an average of four years, some up to 22 years.

Dr. Luis Geffner presented a preliminary report on September 17 at the 2007 Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in San Diego. From May 2006 to August 2007, 38 patients with SCI were treated at Luis Vernaza Hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. They were treated with autologous bone marrow stem cells - meaning the cells were 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 PrimeCell Therapeutics, based in Irvine, Calif.

"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.

About PrimeCell™ Therapeutics LLC

PrimeCell™ Therapeutics LLC, a PrimeGen Biotech company, is devoted exclusively to germ line stem cell reprogramming. Its next generation stem cell - PrimeCell™ - is an adult stem cell derived from the germ line and reprogrammed to exhibit pluripotency. Its innovative science and unique approach qualify PrimeCell Therapeutics as one of the preeminent biotechnology firms within the emerging field of regenerative medicine.

http://www.primecelltherapeutics.com