Researchers at Keio University prepare for clinical studies using neuronal precursor cells derived from allogenic iPS cells. It is expected that such treatment can alleviate paralysis symptoms in patients with subacute stage spinal cord injury (“spinal cord injury 14 to 28 days after injury”). There are more than 100,000 patients in Japan, and there is presently no cure. According to the clinical study plan, the iPS cells will be supplied from Kyoto University’s CiRA and transplanted to the damaged part of the spinal cord. After transplantation, immunosuppressants will be used for a certain period of time, followed by rehabilitation treatment within the scope of normal insurance treatment, and patients’ condition will be followed up for about one year.
Keio University news release, November 29, 2018