Promising new drug allows paralyzed rats to regain some functions, study shows

Spine

The use of a new drug has allowed researchers to activate the paralyzed muscles of disabled rats, according to a report by The Independent.

Researchers injected the chemical compound, known as intracellular sigma peptide, into 26 rats for several weeks. Of the 26, 21 regained the ability to walk, balance or control their bladder movements.

 

The drug has thus far only been tested in rats, however, according to Jerry Silver, a professor of neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, who led the research team, said these rates of recovery were "unprecedented," noted the report.

 

This discovery comes in a year that has seen a number of spine surgery "firsts." Earlier in 2014, an Anglo-Polish team of physicians in Britain pioneered the new technique that has reversed spinal paralysis for the first time. Additionally, In April, a study was published in Brain showing that paralyzed spinal cord injury patients may be able to regain voluntary movement in their legs and feet.

 

While it is too early to say that the drug would certainly work in humans, the discovery is nonetheless promising, according to the report.

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