All articles tagged with #stem cell therapy
After Novo Nordisk shuttered its cell-therapy unit, Cellular Intelligence hired neurologist Nuno Mendonça to perform due diligence on Novo’s Parkinson’s stem-cell program. The data trail—drawn from Lund University research and Nature Medicine–published work on dopamine-neuron therapies—appears to have driven the AI-driven assessment that led the firm to pursue Novo’s asset.
AI-native platforms are transforming stem-cell research into predictive engineering, accelerating the design, testing, and manufacturing of living cell therapies. Cellular Intelligence is applying an AI foundation model to Novo Nordisk’s clinical-stage Parkinson’s program to speed development, reduce costs, and produce scalable, personalized treatments, with potential applications to cancer and other diseases.
A Guardian investigation shows a booming US market for unapproved stem cell infusions marketed to autistic children, with families paying tens of thousands despite scant evidence of effectiveness and notable safety concerns. The piece links this growth to political moves by RFK Jr and allies to loosen FDA oversight, describes state efforts like Florida’s permissive stance, and contrasts hopeful anecdotes with controlled trials (Duke and Sutter Health) that found little to no autism improvement, highlighting the risk of exploitation for vulnerable families while regulators grapple with how to respond.
Autistic children as young as 18 months are receiving unapproved umbilical cord stem cell infusions at US clinics, promoted with support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and autism advocates, despite no proven benefit and FDA warnings that such treatments are likely illegal outside clinical trials; procedures can cost up to $20,000 per session and may require repeated top-ups, while a Duke University trial found little objective improvement and safety risks persist. The article also discusses Mexico‑based trials and marketing tactics by clinics exploiting regulatory gaps and misinterpretations of the Right‑to‑Try law.
The Lakers received an optimistic update on Luka Doncic's left hamstring rehab in Europe: after completing the first round of therapies in Spain and a brief stop in Ljubljana, he’ll move to Madrid for a second round, with stem cell/PRP treatment potentially shrinking the standard 4–6 week recovery to about 2–3 weeks and aiming for a playoff return around the start of the second round, while Los Angeles must navigate the first round without him (and without Austin Reaves).
In six pregnancies with fetal spina bifida, researchers applied donor placental stem cells during prenatal spinal repair. The phase I CuRe trial found no stem-cell-related adverse events or infections, and newborns showed signs the surgery worked (hindbrain herniation reversal) with no hydrocephalus shunts at birth; long-term benefits remain unknown, and a larger Phase I/IIa trial is underway.
A small US trial treated six fetuses with open spina bifida using placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells during in‑utero repair. The procedure appeared safe, reversed hindbrain herniation in all cases, and was associated with improved mobility and quality of life after birth, with no tumours or wound-healing issues observed. If reproduced, this approach could become part of standard fetal surgery for spina bifida, marking a potential major step forward in birth defect treatment.
Keck Medicine of USC leads an early-stage trial testing induced pluripotent stem cells engineered to become dopamine-producing brain cells, implanted into the basal ganglia to restore dopamine and motor function in Parkinson’s disease; the 12-participant, multi-site study monitors safety and efficacy for 12–15 months after surgery, with up to five years of follow-up.
Researchers at USC are conducting a phase 2b clinical trial to test a stem cell-derived retinal implant aimed at reversing damage caused by dry age-related macular degeneration, potentially restoring vision in affected patients.
A BMJ study claiming stem cell therapy reduces heart failure risk has been scrutinized for serious data inconsistencies, including age mismatches and suspicious data patterns, leading to calls for retraction and raising concerns about research integrity in the field.
A 12-year-old boy with a rare skin disorder, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, has improved his quality of life and ability to play sports after participating in a clinical trial involving stem cell infusions, which showed promising results in healing wounds and reducing inflammation.
Kim Kardashian credits stem cell treatments received in Mexico with curing her torn shoulder and chronic back pain, highlighting the benefits of regenerative medicine after trying various options in the US failed to provide relief.
A small stem cell trial using zimislecel by Vertex Pharmaceuticals has temporarily cured or significantly reduced insulin dependence in 10 out of 12 severe Type 1 diabetes patients, offering hope for future treatments.
A groundbreaking human trial in the UK is set to test Rincell-1, a stem cell therapy aimed at reversing sensorineural hearing loss by regenerating damaged inner ear nerves, potentially improving or replacing cochlear implant treatments.
A new stem cell treatment developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals shows promise in curing severe type 1 diabetes, with a clinical trial demonstrating significant improvements and reduced insulin dependence in most participants, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term benefits.