First trial of embryonic stem cells in humans
12 October 2010
Doctors in the US have begun the first official trial of
using human embryonic stem cells for a person with spinal
injuries.
For people with Parkinson's, it may be many years before using stem cells becomes a reality. In the meantime, we'll continue our search for a cure.
Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research
Geron, a biotech company, has spent $170million on developing a
stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury.
The research will inject nerve cells, which have been
transformed from stem cells, into the spinal cord.
In animal trials of the treatment, paralysed rats regained some
movement.
But it's not yet known if it will offer any benefit to people
with spinal cord injuries. The initial trial to be carried out at a
hospital in Atlanta will check if the treatment is safe.
Stem cells and Parkinson's
Stem cells hold great hope for future treatment of Parkinson's because of their potential to
transform into specific types of nerve cells, including the
dopamine-producing nerve cells which die in Parkinson's.
However, we still need to tackle several research challenges
before stem cell therapies become a reality for people with
Parkinson's.
We support research into the potential use of all types of stem
cells which may lead us closer to a cure for Parkinson's. We have
invested more than £2million in cutting edge
stem cell research.
Dr Kieran Breen, our Director of Research, comments:
"It's early days but the news that the first clinical trial
using embryonic stem cells in humans is taking place is very
exciting.
"But for people with Parkinson's, it may be many years before
using stem cells becomes a reality. In the meantime, we will
continue our search for a cure."
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