ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Dr. Jonathon Glass has spent 20 years researching ALS, a debilitating and fatal neurologic disease. In that time, he's encountered a lot of frustration.
"There have been about 80 different drug trials in ALS in the past decade, and all of them have failed. Every single one of them. And it gets disappointing after a while," said Glass.
But he's optimistic about a new approach. Instead of drugs, Glass and a team from Emory University are for the first time implanting stem cells into the spines of ALS patients.
"If it works, I don't know how well it will work. But we're just willing to try," said Glass.
The trial's first phase looks at the safety of implanting stem cells. Glass says if deemed safe, the procedure will be broadened to include more patients and to answer the question: Does it Work?
Scientists caution stem cells will not cure ALS, but may help slow the disease's progression.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1649055/Atlanta/Emory.University.Looks.to.Stem.Cells.to.Treat.ALS
"There have been about 80 different drug trials in ALS in the past decade, and all of them have failed. Every single one of them. And it gets disappointing after a while," said Glass.
But he's optimistic about a new approach. Instead of drugs, Glass and a team from Emory University are for the first time implanting stem cells into the spines of ALS patients.
"If it works, I don't know how well it will work. But we're just willing to try," said Glass.
The trial's first phase looks at the safety of implanting stem cells. Glass says if deemed safe, the procedure will be broadened to include more patients and to answer the question: Does it Work?
Scientists caution stem cells will not cure ALS, but may help slow the disease's progression.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1649055/Atlanta/Emory.University.Looks.to.Stem.Cells.to.Treat.ALS