Landmark stem cell trial to treat spinal injuries

A LANDMARK American trial taking the first step towards treating spinal injury patients with human embryonic stem cells has been described as the start of a new age in medicine.

The paralysed patient, who has a severe spinal cord injury, will be treated with special cells that stimulate nerve growth.

To be eligible, participating patients must have a “complete grade A” thoracic spinal injury sustained not more than 14 days before receiving the treatment, known as GRNOPC1.