For the first time in the world, researchers in Israel have developed biotechnology into three-dimensional human spinal tissues, which they have implanted in experimental animals with recent or chronic paralysis. The method succeeded in restoring 80% to 100% of the ability of animals (rodents) to walk. Scientists are already planning the next step: the start of clinical trials in humans in about three years, with the aim of regenerating the spine of paralyzed patients from their own cells.
Implants, made from human materials and cells, mimic the development of the spine in fetuses and may in the future allow paralyzed people to walk again without external support. The researchers, led by Professor Tal Dvir, director of the Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology at Tel Aviv University, who published the paper in the journal Advanced Science, said that “our goal for the next few years is to create spinal implants that will repair tissue damaged by injury, without the risk of rejection of the implant “.
The researchers tested their implants in animals that had been paralyzed recently and in animals that had been paralyzed for a long time. After implantation, 100% of the first category animals and 80% of the second category walked again.
Dr Dvir said: “Animal models have undergone a rapid recovery process, at the end of which they could walk quite well. There are millions of people in the world who are paralyzed by spinal cord injury and there is no effective cure for it. they sit in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives, bearing all the costs of paralysis in social, economic and health terms “.
Researchers have already created the Matricelf company for the commercial use of their paralyzed implants. In the meantime, contacts have begun with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to present their technology and expedite its approval process, as there are not many alternatives available for paralyzed patients.
A related video of the researchers is available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNT2wV62Y8g
See all the news
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
