MS study to use human skin cells converted to stem cells

[barbara]

The Independent
2-8-13
Steve Connor

MS treatment: Clinical trials due as human stem cells research shows promise
In fact, the process appeared more rapid and efficient than with other cell sources

The first clinical trials of a revolutionary approach to treating multiple sclerosis with stem cells derived from the patient’s own skin could begin soon following research showing that it works well on laboratory mice, scientists said.

A study has for the first time found that human skin cells converted into stem cells can be used to treat laboratory mice with a condition similar to multiple-sclerosis, where the fatty covering surrounding the nerves is lost.

Scientists in the US said initial clinical trials on human patients using a similar approach could begin in 2015, with full-scale studies soon after. The skin cells were first genetically engineered to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) before being converted to the specialised cells that make the fatty myelin sheaths, which insulate nerve cells in a similar way to the plastic covering of an electrical wire. The myelin is gradually degraded in MS patients.

Scientists were able to turn the iPS cells into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells which were injected into the mice. These progenitor cells went on to become fully specialised oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for making the myelin sheath.

“The new population of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and oligodendrocytes was dense, abundant and complete. In fact, they re-myelination process appeared more rapid and efficient than with other cell sources,” said neurologist Steven Goldman of Rochester University Medical Centre in New York. Induced pluripotent stem cells are created by adding several genes to ordinary skin cells. This has the effect of “reprogramming” them back to an earlier, embryonic-like state, but has the ethical advantage over true embyronic stem cells in that they do not require the creation of human embryos.

Clinical trials of human induced pluripotent stem cells on MS patients are being funded by an organisation called New York State Stem Cell Science, which has already approved initial trials using stem cells, which are due to begin within two years.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/ms-treatment-clinical-trials-due-as-human-stem-cells-research-shows-promise-8486072.html&ct=ga&cad=CAcQAhgAIAAoATAAOABAppDRiAVIAVAAWABiBWVuLVVT&cd=VqMVQ1D9kYg&usg=AFQjCNEuImDwpstbSMPeLeuAZQnsG2vNDg

 

[Jeannine]

How many clinical trials do they need? This goes on and on for years with little hope of even qualifying for the trial.

I remember how almost 9 years ago there was a trial for COPD with valves being inserted into the damaged parts of the lung. Here we are 9 years later with more clinical trials for the same device. Meanwhile, these same valves have been legal in Europe for several years now and have been inserted in over 4000 patients with 25% improvement in their lung function shown in 80% of those treated.

It's another scam and the people who are sick are the losers. The FDA should be disbanded.

 

[barbara]

We started this forum in 2007. Many articles at the time were so full of promise. Clinical trials could be expected in 3-5 years. Well, here we are 6 years later and there are very few clinical trials and the FDA has now decided to regulate our own stem cells. Is this progress or is it just an endless feeding of our tax dollars to researchers and a government agency in overdrive? The clinical trial process is too lengthy and expensive as well. This hampers innovation from smaller companies.

As for the valves, there is simply no excuse. 4000 treated in Europe should be enough evidence of safety. It's pathetic. Some of you may remember this article from John Rapport.

http://www.stemcellpioneers.com/showthread.php?t=6416&highlight=Murder+medical+Matrix: