Stem Cell Therapy Reverse Multipple Sclerosis

Filed in archive Stem Cells on January 31, 2009

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6634098

The Telegraph reports of the continuing positive results on the use of stem cells in treating multiple sclerosis in conjunction with a drug called alemtuzumab. The study leader, Dr Richard Burt, described it as a "feasible procedure" that "not only seems to prevent neurological progression, but also appears to reverse neurological disability." The researchers used haemopoietic stem cells, which are found in bone marrow.

The findings, published in the Lancet Neurology medical journal, showed that 81 per cent of patients had significant improvements to their disability.

Just five of the group suffered side effects of the treatment and all of these were easily treated with drugs, the researchers report.

The volunteers, aged between 20 and 53, were followed for a total of three years, and none of them saw their condition worsen in this time.