Key Takeaways
- Israeli surgeons will soon implant a bioengineered spinal cord in a paralyzed patient, aiming to restore mobility.
- Developed by Professor Tal Dvir and his team, this technology has shown promise in animal trials, where treated mice regained the ability to walk.
- The procedure marks a significant advancement in regenerative medicine and could set a new standard for spinal cord repair.
Breakthrough in Spinal Cord Treatment
In a groundbreaking development, surgeons in Israel are set to perform the world’s first implantation of a bioengineered spinal cord designed to help paralyzed patients walk again. This innovative approach, led by Professor Tal Dvir from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and Matricelf, focuses on using personalized tissue created from the patient’s own cells.
About three years ago, Professor Dvir’s team successfully engineered a personalized three-dimensional spinal cord in the lab, with their findings published in the journal Advanced Science. The research demonstrated that mice with chronic paralysis, when treated with these engineered implants, regained their ability to walk.
The clinical trials, which have received preliminary approval from Israel’s Ministry of Health for “compassionate use,” involve eight paralyzed patients, marking a pivotal moment in the translation of laboratory research to real-world treatment. Professor Dvir emphasized that this milestone represents national pride as the technology has been developed entirely within Israel.
Understanding the spinal cord’s function is crucial; it acts as a conduit for electrical signals between the brain and the body. Injuries to the spinal cord, often due to trauma from car accidents or falls, sever this connection, leading to paralysis. Unlike certain cells in the body that can regenerate, neurons in the spinal cord do not heal, and patients typically experience worsening conditions over time.
The goal of this new technology is to engineer a functional spinal cord that integrates with existing healthy tissue. This involves removing scar tissue at the injury site and implanting the engineered spinal cord. Dr. Tamar Harel-Adar and her team, who assist in the development at Matricelf, are optimistic about the procedure’s success, given that animal trials have yielded astonishing results.
To prepare for transplantation, the process involves extracting blood cells from the patient, which are then genetically reprogrammed into stem cell-like cells. Using fatty tissue, essential components are prepared to create a hydrogel, into which the reprogrammed cells are placed, mimicking spinal cord development.
Professor Dvir remains optimistic about the compassionate use trials, indicating that they are ready to begin patient selection and approval for blood collection. “Our goal is to help paralyzed patients rise from their wheelchairs,” he stated, reflecting hope based on the successful animal model trials.
Gil Hakim, CEO of Matricelf, highlighted the significance of this transition from research to patient treatment, determining that the approach of using each patient’s own cells minimizes safety risks. If successful, this therapy could redefine standards for spinal cord repair and address a multi-billion-dollar market that currently lacks effective treatments.
As this innovative procedure moves forward, it promises to bring new hope to those living with paralysis, paving the way for more advancements in regenerative medicine.
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