Neuralstem Inc. (AMEX:CUR) asked the Food & Drug Administration for permission to begin a clinical trial of a chronic spinal injury treatment using stem cells.
The Rockville, Md.-based company’s Phase I clinical safety trial would employ its adult stem cell technology with cells derived from spinal cords to treat 16 patients with American Spinal Injury Assn. Grade A level of impairment, or complete paralysis, one to two years after the injury that caused their condition.
Though the trial is primarily designed to test the safety of both Neuralstem‘s stem cells and their delivery method in spinal injury patients, the company said the technology could result in improved breathing capacity, recovery of sensory-motor functions of the upper limbs and improved mobility.