Monday, October 10, 2022

World-first stem cell therapy trial treats spina bifida before birth in the womb

Good news! Amazing stuff!

"In a world-first clinical trial, three babies have been born after receiving stem cell treatment for spina bifida. The treatment involves administering a stem cell patch to the fetus’ spine while still developing in the womb, and early results are promising one year on. ...
Cellular Therapy for In Utero Repair of Myelomeningocele (CuRe) trial, conducted at UC Davis Health. ...
Patients enrolled in the trial undergo surgery midway through pregnancy, where a patch containing mesenchymal stem cells is carefully applied to the affected area of the fetus’ spine in utero. ...
So far, three babies have been born out of the eventual 35 that will be enrolled in the CuRe trial. The first received the treatment in July 2021 at 25 and a half weeks gestation ... Over a year later and things seem to still be going well, but the team remains cautious about jumping to conclusions. The scientists will monitor the babies until they’re six years old, and there’s a particular milestone at 30 months of age to check how well they’re walking and toilet training."

"... Spina bifida, also known as myelomeningocele, occurs when spinal tissue fails to fuse properly during the early stages of pregnancy. The birth defect can lead to a range of lifelong cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities. It affects 1,500 to 2,000 children in the U.S. every year. It is often diagnosed through ultrasound. ..."

World-first stem cell therapy trial treats spina bifida before birth


World’s first stem cell treatment for spina bifida delivered during fetal surgery Groundbreaking trial aims to reverse the paralysis and other abnormal functions of spina bifida before birth



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