HOUSTON (July 14) The first Texas patient has been enrolled by researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) in the country's first double-blind clinical trial studying the safety and efficacy of an innovative stem cell therapy that can be given up to 19 days after an ischemic stroke.
The Phase II study, cleared by the Federal Drug Administration, examines a regenerative therapy developed by Aldagen that uses a patient's own bone marrow stem cells. The therapy, called ALD-401, consists of stem cells that are identified using Aldagen's proprietary technology to isolate cells that express high levels of an enzyme that serve as a marker of stem cells.
Studies found that these cells enhance recovery after stroke in mice. The cells are administered into the carotid artery.
"This represents a new approach using stem cells for stroke," said Sean Savitz, M.D., senior investigator for the multi-center study and associate professor of neurology at the UTHealth Medical School. "A major question in the field of stem cell research is whether we can extend the time window for administering stem cells. A longer window increases the number of patients that might be helped."
Preclinical research, including research at UTHealth, has suggested that stem cells can promote the repair of the brain after an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot in the brain. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to 2008 statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Houston resident received either placebo or ALD-401 on June 8 at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center after suffering a stroke May 23 while on a trip to California. Her stroke was caused by previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.
"We were waiting for our taxi at the hotel and I immediately couldn't talk and my husband said my f
'/>"/>
| Contact: Deborah Lake deborah.m.lake@uth.tmc.edu University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Study challenges baby formula claim
2. Study explains why men are at higher risk for stomach cancer
3. First study into GM Atlantic salmon mating reveals danger of escape to wild gene pool
4. Your mother was right: Study shows good posture makes you tougher
5. Researchers study pesticide pathways into the atmosphere
6. Scleroderma study identifies roadblocks to employment
7. Study: People at risk for panic buffered from stressor by high levels of physical activity
8. UCI study points to new means of overcoming antiviral resistance in influenza
9. Owl study expands understanding of human stereovision
10. Virginia Tech Coal and Energy Center selected for study of CO2 injection into storage reservoirs
11. Large human study links phthalates, BPA and thyroid hormone levels
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |