FDA Approves New Stem-Cell Trial for Adult Spinal Cord Injury Sufferers
The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a brand new stem-cell trial for eight sufferers of spinal cord injuries in Miami. Over the next few weeks, the injured persons will have their Schwann cells injected at the site of their injury and then the results will be carefully monitored for their effectiveness in treating major paralysis. This is the first trial of this type in the entire world.
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is conducting the trials at their location in Florida as part of their dedication to finding a cure for devastating paralysis. Among those due for treatment are former NFL linebacker Nick Buoniconti, who suffered from spinal cord injuries while playing football at a college match in 1985. His injuries left him in a wheelchair, completely dependent on outside help to allow his to perform daily tasks. Even breathing does not come easily to him and he had to work extremely hard in order to breathe without a respirator.
Buoniconti and his son formed the Miami Project as part of their mission to help sufferers of
spinal cord injuries throughout the world. Since the injury occurred in 1985, Buoniconti has been paralyzed from the neck down and has long dreamed of the day when stem cell research could potentially be used to help alleviate the effects of these long-term injuries.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Miami Project's request for a Phase 1 human trial to begin. Eight patients with similar injuries have been chosen for the immediate trials and so far, the outlook appears good. The trial will involve surgically implanting nerve cells from the legs into the spine in the hope that the cells will grow and lead to sensation and even movement. Eventually, Buoniconti hopes that this trial will lead to a cure for the more than 300,000 other Americans living their lives with spinal cord disabilities.
As most spinal cord injury lawyers know, spinal cord injuries can be devastating, not only to the victim, but also to their families. To prevent spinal cord injuries, it is important that you drive carefully, avoid slip and fall accidents and wear protective gear at work. The majority of spinal cord injuries occur because of car accidents due to negligent drivers, but like Buoniconti, many also happen during sporting events. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure to wear the proper head gear and not take unnecessary risks.
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is conducting the trials at their location in Florida as part of their dedication to finding a cure for devastating paralysis. Among those due for treatment are former NFL linebacker Nick Buoniconti, who suffered from spinal cord injuries while playing football at a college match in 1985. His injuries left him in a wheelchair, completely dependent on outside help to allow his to perform daily tasks. Even breathing does not come easily to him and he had to work extremely hard in order to breathe without a respirator.
Buoniconti and his son formed the Miami Project as part of their mission to help sufferers of
spinal cord injuries throughout the world. Since the injury occurred in 1985, Buoniconti has been paralyzed from the neck down and has long dreamed of the day when stem cell research could potentially be used to help alleviate the effects of these long-term injuries.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the Miami Project's request for a Phase 1 human trial to begin. Eight patients with similar injuries have been chosen for the immediate trials and so far, the outlook appears good. The trial will involve surgically implanting nerve cells from the legs into the spine in the hope that the cells will grow and lead to sensation and even movement. Eventually, Buoniconti hopes that this trial will lead to a cure for the more than 300,000 other Americans living their lives with spinal cord disabilities.
As most spinal cord injury lawyers know, spinal cord injuries can be devastating, not only to the victim, but also to their families. To prevent spinal cord injuries, it is important that you drive carefully, avoid slip and fall accidents and wear protective gear at work. The majority of spinal cord injuries occur because of car accidents due to negligent drivers, but like Buoniconti, many also happen during sporting events. In order to protect yourself and your loved ones, make sure to wear the proper head gear and not take unnecessary risks.
