British biotech company ReNeuron has been given the green light to start a clinical trial to treat stroke patients with stem cells.
The company, alongside a team of doctors in Scotland, will begin the trial to assess whether stem cell therapy can benefit patients left disabled by a stroke.
Britain’s Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC) gave its approval following delays and queries over the research – which was approved by Britain’s main drugs watchdog last January.
Under the trial, patients will have neural stem cells injected into their brains. It is hoped the cells, developed from human foetuses, will be able to repair stroke-damaged areas of the brain.
Treatment for the study’s first patient is expected to be provided through the NHS at the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.
Copyright Press Association 2010
