FDA approves human embryonic stem cells clinical trial for spinal cord injury treatment

Emerging Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EHSI): Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration gave their highly-anticipated approval for the first clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which are the type of cells that can develop into all tissues of the body. Geron Corporation of Menlo Park, California, received the green light from the US FDA to use cells derived from hESCs to treat people with acute spinal cord injuries. Ten people will receive injections into the injury site of hESC-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which stimulate the growth of new and severed nerves and recoat damaged nerves with myelin. The hope is that the injections will help people recover function lost through injury, as seen in rodent studies in 2005.

Geron first received permission to proceed in January last year, only for the FDA to withdraw it in August following studies showing that some animals developed benign cysts around the injection sites. Further animal studies led to the FDA's change of heart.

EHSI has previously announced locking down an option for a profit participation deal with biotech firm Celulas Genetica. Celulas Genetica works to develop new major medical solutions using adult stem cell research and is working toward playing a leading role in the development of new medical breakthroughs. EHSI is aggressively seeking to secure various cutting-edge stem cell technologies and is attempting to acquire their first stem cell bioreactor.

SOURCE Emerging Healthcare Solutions