FDA Approves Stem Cell Research for Spinal Cord Injuries

The FDA has granted approval for a controversial stem cell therapy that may help people suffering from spinal cord injuries. The biotech firm Geron received the approval a year after the FDA had put the study on hold. Geron will now begin the next phase of clinical trials by experimenting on humans. Previously, the procedure had been tested on animals with some success.

Geron has been working on spinal cord treatments for the past 15 years. The treatment will hopefully cure some cases of paralysis that have been caused by spinal cord injuries. The procedure involves the use of embryonic stem cells. These stem cells are coaxed into growing into a specific type of cell known as myelin. Myelin is often absent after a spinal cord injury. Some experts feel the injection of myelin may cause unwanted cell growth. The initial study with the animals was stopped because the animals did develop cysts. However, researchers noted the cysts posed no problems for the animals. Geron adjusted their procedures to reduce the risk of cysts developing.

The FDA approval is a huge milestone in the stem cell research world. Other companies are sure to follow with applications to conduct their own stem cell studies as well.