Several independent mechanisms contribute to the outcome of spinal cord injury. A combination of potential therapies is therefore likely to be more effective than a treatment directed at one mechanism only. This is proved by recent studies that combine cell transplants with drugs to increase the connections between nerve fibres. It is likely that more effective combinations are possible, and combination therapy is likely to be a cornerstone of future strategies to treat spinal cord injury. With an emphasis on olfactory ensheathing cells, researchers in Glasgow are investigating potential approaches to boost the effectiveness of these treatments.