The NurOwn platform from BrainStorm (New York City) makes use of human mesenchymal stem cells, which are derived from a patient’s own bone marrow, to treat neurological diseases. The cells have the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into various tissues.
The company is investigating the use of the platform to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; Lou Gehrig’s disease) and has announced the results of Phase I/II clinical trial that is being conducted at Hadassah Medical Center (Jerusalem). The trial includes a total of 24 patients, 12 of which suffer from an advanced stage of the disease. The remainder have been diagnosed with early-stage ALS.
According to Dimitrios Karussis, MD, PhD, who is overseeing the clinical trial, the treatment has been promising with no significant side effects. In a press release, Dr. Karussis explains that “the early clinical follow up of the patients treated with the stem cells shows indications of beneficial clinical effects, such as an improvement in breathing and swallowing ability as well as in muscular power.”
The company is planning on performing a clinical trial in the United States in 2012.
Press release: BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Has Potentially Developed A Treatment For ALS…
Link: BrainStorm homepage…