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hESC-Derived Oligodendrocytes - GRNOPC1
To apply those observations to humans, we have now derived oligodendroglial progenitor cells (GRNOPC1) from hESCs in culture and tested them in a rat model of spinal cord injury. In our collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Irvine, we have shown in animal models that GRNOPC1 can improve functional locomotor behavior after implantation in the injury site 7 days after injury. Histological analysis also provided evidence for the engraftment and function of these cells. These data were published in May 2005 in the Journal of Neuroscience. We have developed functional cryopreserved formulations of GRNOPC1 that can be readily implemented in clinical trials and have initiated cGMP production of GRNOPC1. We have completed IND-enabling studies for hESC-derived oligodendrocytes for application in spinal cord injury. Upon FDA concurrence of the IND and Institutional Review Board approval at each clinical trial site, we expect to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial. Click here for clinical trial information. |
Embryonic stem cell-derived neural cells have been used by researchers to treat nervous system disorders in animal models. In the case of spinal cord injuries, neural cells derived from animal embryonic stem cells and injected into the spinal cord injury site produced significant recovery of the animal's ability to move and bear weight. 
