America green lights new stem cell trial for MS

A Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat mild to moderate multiple sclerosis (MS) will go ahead in the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light.

The trial, to be conducted by the Hope Biosciences Stem Cell Research Foundation (HBSCRF), will see 24 people receive six MSC infusions over 32 weeks. The foundation wants to develop stem cell treatment that doesn’t suppress the immune system or come with unwanted side effects.

MSCs are found in bone marrow, skin, and fat, plus other tissues, and they are stem cells which can become a variety of other types of cells.

Stem cells have been studied as potential therapy aids in neurological and immune conditions because they have an ability to suppress excess immune reactions, which can lead to chronic inflammation.