Keio University Makes Strides in Treating Spinal Cord Injuries with iPS Cells

Keio University Makes Strides in Treating Spinal Cord Injuries with iPS Cells

Researchers at Keio University have achieved a significant milestone in the field of regenerative medicine, demonstrating the potential of using human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to treat spinal cord injuries.

At a press conference held on March 21st, Professor Hideyuki Okano and his team presented the results of their clinical trials, which involved transplanting neural cells derived from iPS cells into patients with spinal cord injuries. The results were promising, with two out of four patients regaining some motor function. One patient even regained the ability to stand with the aid of a support mechanism after undergoing rehabilitation.

"These results offer a glimmer of hope for the future of spinal cord injury treatment," said Professor Masaya Nakamura, a member of the research team. "We are now looking to expand our clinical trials to further confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach."

The Keio team's research builds upon the groundbreaking work of Professor Shinya Yamanaka, who in 2006 successfully generated iPS cells in mice. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and paved the way for the development of iPS cell-based therapies.

In the Keio clinical trial, the patients who received the iPS cell-derived neural transplants had all suffered spinal cord injuries within 14 to 28 days prior to the start of the trial. They had also lost all motor function in certain parts of their bodies. The transplanted cells were monitored for a year while the patients underwent rehabilitation.

The patient who regained the ability to stand is currently undergoing further rehabilitation with the aim of regaining the ability to walk. Importantly, the researchers observed no signs of the transplanted cells becoming cancerous.

While the results are encouraging, the researchers acknowledge that the small sample size limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the statistical effectiveness of the treatment. They emphasize the need for further research with larger patient groups.

Spinal cord injuries affect approximately 100,000 individuals in Japan. Currently, rehabilitation is the only available treatment option. The success of the Keio University trials offers hope for a future where iPS cell-based therapies can significantly improve the lives of people living with spinal cord injuries.