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THE first treatment derived from embryonic stem cells might soon undergo clinical trials. The cells would be used to help repair damaged spinal tissue.
One of the main concerns with embryonic stem cell (ESC) treatments has been the possibility that the recipient's immune system will see the transplanted cells as foreign and attack them.
Now Geron in Menlo Park, California, claims to have shown that this might not be a problem, at least for spinal repair treatment.
"I'm confident that we will be in the clinic next year with the first human ESC-derived product," said Tom Okarma, chief executive of Geron, at a conference in London last week. The company will soon be seeking permission from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin the trial.
One of the main concerns with embryonic stem cell (ESC) treatments has been the possibility that the recipient's immune system will see the transplanted cells as foreign and attack them.
Now Geron in Menlo Park, California, claims to have shown that this might not be a problem, at least for spinal repair treatment.
"I'm confident that we will be in the clinic next year with the first human ESC-derived product," said Tom Okarma, chief executive of Geron, at a conference in London last week. The company will soon be seeking permission from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin the trial.