As you might know by now, in 2009 Spinal Research launched the Translational Initiative- where we literally ‘translate’ what has been shown to repair spinal cord injury in the laboratory into therapies that can finally be applied to patients.
Following the official launch of the Initiative last year, we have received a number of research proposals, and, together with leading experts from neuroscience, the pharmaceutical industry and clinicians, we have now provisionally identified three concepts with particular promise to take forward to the next stage.
They are:
chondroitinase - an enzyme that breaks down scar tissue blocking the way for nerve regrowth
olfactory ensheathing cells - a particular type of cells found in the nose which have been proven to provide a cellular path down which new nerves can grow
early neuroprotection strategy - to block the destructive cascade of secondary damage after the initial injury
You might have heard us talk about these three approaches before - we recognised early on their potential for transforming the lives of people who have suffered a spinal cord injury, and we invested much time, funds and effort in these areas.
Now we are moving forward. The aim now is to fund the remaining critical stages that will transform them from experiments to clinical treatment.
The projects are being finalised now and, subject to agreement by our Scientific and Development committees, will be ready to start in the summer. We are incredibly grateful to our supporters for getting us to the stage when the Initiative has become possible – now we need to keep it sustainable in order to progress towards those all-important clinical trials as quickly as possible.
To find out more about the three approaches above,
download our information leaflet.
Thank you for your support.
Dr Mark Bacon – Head of Research
Make a donation and support the research effort
