FDA Approves Unique Stem Cell Therapy Trial in MS Patients
Stem cell research continues to excite the field of MS research as a new Phase I trial involving the use of stems cells as an Investigational New Drug (IND) in MS patients has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The small Phase I clinical trial will investigate the safety and efficacy of autologous, mesenchymal stems cell-derived neural progenitor cells (MSC-NPs) in the treatment of progressive MS. Neural progenitor cells are cells that can develop into neurons and other nervous system cells, such as oligodendrocytes, encouraging neural repair and regeneration as evidenced in studies with mice (Harris, 2012). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells derived from bone marrow which can differentiate into other types of cells such as neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Autologous mesenchymal stem cells are obtained from a person’s (or animal’s) own bone marrow. Led by Saud Sadiq, MD and Violaine Harris, PhD, researchers at the Tisch MS...