Stem cell treatment may slow brain shrinkage in progressive MS
Long-term follow-up data from a Phase 1 clinical trial suggests that neural stem cell therapy is safe and may help slow brain shrinkage in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. While cognitive function remained stable, physical disability continued to progress, prompting calls for larger Phase 2 trials.
Why it matters
This research offers potential hope for neuroprotective treatments in progressive MS, a condition with limited therapeutic options.
Long-term trial data show therapy may safely slow brain shrinkage
New data show treatment with stem cells is safe and may protect the brain in people with progressive forms of MS. (Image from iStock)
Treatment with neural stem cells — cells that have the ability to mature into supportive cells of the brain and spinal cord — showed early signs of neuroprotection in people with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to long-term follow-up data from a small early clinical trial.
The data show that the use of these specialized self-renewing cells, which can develop into neurons, or nerve cells, remained safe after nearly six years among MS patients who completed the two-year Phase 1 study, called STEMS (NCT03269071) . That study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of the experimental therapy, given directly into the spinal canal.
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