Further Advances in Stem Cell Research for Spinal Cord Injuries

The SciStar study is an ongoing clinical trial evaluating the safety of three sequential escalating doses of AST-OPC1 for recent cervical spinal cord injury victims. AST-OPC1 consists of neural cells known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, and these cells are produced from human embryonic stem cells.

The second phase of the Dose Escalation Study of AST-OPC1 in Spinal Cord Injury received FDA approval in August 2014 after a successful initial phase involving clinical trial of AST-OPC1 in five participants with complete thoracic spinal cord injuries. The SciStar study received safety clearance to begin administering higher doses of AST-OPC1 in August 2016.

Cohort one had three patients who received a dose of two million cells, cohort two had five patients who received a dose of 10 million cells, and a third cohort received the highest dosage of 20 million cells. Individuals with recent cervical spinal cord injuries who were between 18 and 69 years of age were eligible for this study.

The first patient successfully received the highest dose, 20 million cells, by November 2016. In April 2017, the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) approved continued enrollment of the 10 million cells and 20 million cell dosages.

Stem cell therapy is a very promising treatment for spinal cord injuries, and the SciStar study continues to be closely watched by many observers.

Other Kinds of Spinal Cord Injuries

The SciStar study focused on cervical spinal cord injuries, which are injuries to the seven vertebrae in the neck that can result in tetraplegia or quadriplegia. Other major types of spinal cord injuries include:

• Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries — Injuries to any of the five vertebrae in the lower back may result in loss of function in the hips and legs without affecting the upper body.
• Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries — Injuries to the five bones below the lumbar region above the tailbone can affect the hip and leg regions although many victims are able to walk again.
• Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries — The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae in the middle back, and damage to T1 through T5 nerves can allow for normal arm and hand function although injuries to T6 through T12 nerves may result in inability to control bowel movements.

Find a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer in California

If you or your loved one sustained a spinal cord injury in Southern California as the result of an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you will want to immediately retain legal counsel. The Los Angeles Injury Group can fight to help you obtain all of the compensation you are entitled to for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation that will let our Los Angeles personal injury attorney provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.