Clinical trial into use of stem cells to treat MS

A MAJOR global clinical trial will test whether stem cells can be safely used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS).

It will investigate if cells can slow, stop and even reverse damage to the brain and spinal cord caused by active multiple sclerosis lesions. The results will advance medical knowledge “by years”, scientists said.

The £10 million (€1.4m) trial, involving up to 200 patients around the world, is due to start later this year and will last between three and five years.

Scientists in Britain have received £1m in joint funding from the MS Society and the British Stem Cell Foundation for the British arm of the trial as well as two other studies.

Paolo Muraro, lead researcher on the study based at Imperial College, London, said: “This is the first time that researchers from around the world have come together to test stem cell therapies in MS in such a large-scale clinical trial.

“A trial of this scale would be impossible to run in one location which is why this type of collaboration is essential if we are to make progress in this field.”

Researchers at trial sites in London and Edinburgh will harvest stem cells from the bone marrow of 13 trial participants, grow them in the laboratory and then re-inject them into the bloodstream.

The stem cells will make their way to the brain where it is thought they will repair the damage caused by MS, including the “active” lesions where damage is happening.

MS is a disabling neurological condition affecting the central nervous system and symptoms include problems with mobility, eyesight and bladder control, pain, fatigue and muscle stiffness.

Scientists believe the study will reduce the time taken to test whether stem cells could be a safe and effective treatment for people with MS by years, Britain’s MS Society said.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the charity, said: “Stem cells hold tremendous potential as a future treatment option for people with MS.

“We are delighted to be funding this world-leading piece of research which shows the power of an international research collaboration and joint working between charities.”