Geron publish data on the stem cell research.....

In my earlier blog (Geron plans to advance clinical program for spinal cord injury), I did mention about the clinical program. Now Geron has come up with positive results. As per the claim by the company oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), when transplanted into a rodent model of cervical spinal cord injury, reduced tissue damage within the lesion and improved recovery of locomotor function. These data provide preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of GRNOPC1, Geron's hESC-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor product, in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries.

Oligodendrocytes have two main functions in the spinal cord; they produce the myelin that wraps around nerve fibers to enable electrical impulse conduction and they produce other molecules (neurotrophic factors) that help to maintain nerve cells. In spinal cord injury oligodendrocytes are lost, resulting in the loss of myelin and death of nerve cells that can cause paralysis below the injury. The present study, conducted in a cervical model of spinal cord injury, adds to previous work in a thoracic model, which has demonstrated that injection of hESC-derived OPCs into the site of injury improved locomotor function with evidence of remyelination of nerve fibers.

Source : http://www.geron.com/media/pressview.aspx?id=1196

Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Restores Walking Ability In Rats With Neck Injuries..

The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries -- a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.

More....Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Restores Walking Ability In Rats With Neck Injuries

Geron plans to advance clinical program for spinal cord injury

In my earlier blog (Euphoria over Stem Cell Therapy.....) did mentioned that, there are many companies which falsely claimed that they have got technology (stem cell treatment) to treat spinal cord injury. But an established company like Geron, has plan to advance clinical development of its human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based product, GRNOPC1, for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The plan is expected to enable Geron to re-initiate the Phase I clinical trial of GRNOPC1 in patients with complete thoracic spinal cord injury and to support future expansion of the trial to patients with cervical injuries.

I read earlier about the preclinical studies of GRNOPC1 and the company claimed that it is developing GRNOPC1 for spinal cord injury, but is also exploring application for other neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer disease really interesting to see the results.

As I had an opportunity to talk and work (contract research) with Geron [known for its first-in-class biopharmaceuticals (especially "antisense drugs" from oligonucleotides) for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases] company, I know its credentials and am really excited to see some interesting out come from their advance clinical program. All the best....

Ref : http://www.geron.com/media/pressview.aspx?id=1195

Identifying Safe Stem Cells To Repair Spinal Cords

In my earlier blog, I did mention the euphoria surrounding the stem cell and how many companies tried to fool people by claiming that, they can cure anything and everything with the help of stem cell. But this is something really interesting......

Read .....Identifying Safe Stem Cells To Repair Spinal Cords

Euphoria over Stem Cell Therapy.....

Now a days, I have seen many advertisements in papers, news channels and web sites regarding many clinics claiming to treat multiple diseases with the stem cells, boasting that there is no risk. And I have heard from one of my close friend, that a clinic from US claimed to treat a paraplegia patient suffering for 4 years. He spent lot of money without any result and with lots of physical and mental trauma. Its really interesting now ISSCR, (International Society for Stem Cell Research) has come to the rescue of many patients with its novel idea, by publishing the guidelines for the clinics In my opinion, the awareness should first start from medical practitioners…..