Promising Results From Early MS Stem Cell Trial

A Phase I Clinical Trial at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK using autologous bone marrow stem cells to treat MS conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol has shown encouraging results.

In this trial six patients were injected with stem cells harvested from their own bone marrow with the study aiming to determine whether the treatment is safe. There were no serious side effects from the procedure and patient's conditions remained stable over 12 months. The researchers hope to further investigate the effectiveness of the treatment later this year.

Alternate protein kinase A activity identifies a unique population of stromal cells in adult bone, PNAS, (subscription required) with commentary from HealthDay and press release from NIH. 

Source: Australian Stem Cell Centre