The first embryonic stem cell drug treatment has been used on a patient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to correct paralysis as a result of spinal cord injuries, according to a CBS report.
The stem cell drug, GRNOPC, was developed by the California-based Geron Corp. and is currently enrolling patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries in the past two weeks. GRNOPC contains cells that turn into oligodendrocytes, the cells that allow impulses to move through the nerves and cause paralysis when lost from spinal cord injuries.
Researchers hope that the use of GRNOPC1 will grow new oligodendrocytes, giving the paralyzed patient the ability to control his or her movement again.
Read the CBS report on embryonic stem cells for spinal cord injuries.
Read other coverage on stem cells in spine surgery:
- Latest Trends in Spine Surgery Techniques: Laser and Stem Cell Technology
- Stem Cells Could Be Effective Treatment for Invertebral Disc Diseases
- Louisiana Spine Surgeon to Present Study on Stem Cell Treatment
The stem cell drug, GRNOPC, was developed by the California-based Geron Corp. and is currently enrolling patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries in the past two weeks. GRNOPC contains cells that turn into oligodendrocytes, the cells that allow impulses to move through the nerves and cause paralysis when lost from spinal cord injuries.
Researchers hope that the use of GRNOPC1 will grow new oligodendrocytes, giving the paralyzed patient the ability to control his or her movement again.
Read the CBS report on embryonic stem cells for spinal cord injuries.
Read other coverage on stem cells in spine surgery:
- Latest Trends in Spine Surgery Techniques: Laser and Stem Cell Technology
- Stem Cells Could Be Effective Treatment for Invertebral Disc Diseases
- Louisiana Spine Surgeon to Present Study on Stem Cell Treatment