Stem cell study for spinal injury gets FDA nod

24 January 2009

US biotech company Geron Corp has announced plans to launch the world's first study of embryonic stem cell treatment of spinal cord injury. The much awaited project was cleared by the FDA this week.

The study involves injecting eight to 10 patients with cells derived from embryonic cells, says Dr Thomas Okarma, president and CEO of Geron Corp.

The patients will be paraplegics who can't walk but are able to use their arms. They will receive a single injection in the spine at the site of the injury.

The study will test the safety of the procedure, but signs of improvement like return of sensation or movement in the legs will also be tracked.

Whatever the outcome, the study, which marks a new chapter in one of the most contentious fields of medical research, and will likely open up new treatment options for patients with debilitating medical conditions.

While the medical researchers are now looking forward to using the therapy to treat a host of conditions, there is a lot of hope of the spinal cord injury community riding on the study.