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World first stem-cell trial for neck injuries

8 October 2008

lab work
Monash scientists have pioneered a new treatment using a unique population of adult stem cells.

Melbourne will host the world's first clinical trials of a new medical treatment that could give hope to millions of people suffering spinal neck pain and injuries.

Monash University scientists Professor Graham Jenkin and neurosurgical registrar Dr Tony Goldschlager, together with Melbourne-based biotechnology company Mesoblast Limited, have pioneered a new treatment using a unique population of adult stem cells.

The treatment has significantly increased the success rate and shortened recovery times of neck spinal fusion surgery in preclinical trials.

Marking last month's Monash University's Stem Cell Awareness Day Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said that human clinical trials led by the Monash team using Mesoblast's patented stem cells would commence in Melbourne soon.

Surgical fusion of the neck region of the spine accounts for up to 40 per cent of all spinal fusion procedures and there is a growing demand for the surgery, with annual procedures expected to reach half a million in the United States alone within the next two years.

"This exciting development proves Victoria and Monash University are established centres of excellence in stem-cell research and their medical application," Mr Jennings said.

"Victoria is leading the way with ideas that have the potential to revolutionise treatment and improve the lives of thousands of people not only across Australia, but the world."

Under a sponsored research agreement between Monash University and Mesoblast, the proprietary stem cells were placed into a cage-like structure and surgically implanted between vertebrae in place of damaged discs to fuse or connect the two vertebrae together.

"If results so far are anything to go by, recovery times could be increased four-fold. It currently takes up to a year for a spinal fusion in humans to take full strength. We could potentially cut that to three months using stem cells, our new technique, and the body's own repair mechanisms," Professor Jenkin said.

Dr Goldschlager said the process to commence clinical trials with Mesoblast in Melbourne was already underway.

"Clinical trials are the next exciting step forward. If we can get it right in the neck region, which is the most challenging area, then the same idea can potentially be applied to the entire spine," Dr Goldschlager said.