VIDEO: How Stem Cells Could Help Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries
Caused by damage to the spinal cord, SCI affect 1.2 million people in the United States and has been a major focus for CIRM for research and therapy development.
How can stem cells help treat or cure spinal cord injury?
Scientists are turning human embryonic stem cells into special cells called oligodendrocyte progenitor cells that have been shown to support the health of the nerves in spinal cord injury. These cells can then be transplanted into the damaged spinal cord of patients and potentially support the health and restore function to the damaged nerves.
VIDEO: Meet Kris Boesen, Previously Paralyzed
Meet Kris Boesen, one of the five previously paralyzed patients who saw increased mobility after participating in University of Southern California and Asterias Biotherapeutics’ human clinical trial.