“In-womb” stem cell trial

Published on: 25/10/2015

 

A trial into using stem cells to lessen the symptoms of an incurable brittle bone disease will be starting in January of next year.  The trial which will be happening at two sites (Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and Great Ormond Street Hospital here in the UK) will be the first to attempt injecting foetal stem cells into babies still in the womb.  Fifteen babies will have an infusion of stem cells which develop into healthy bone, cartilage and muscle while in utero and again after birth.  A further fifteen babies will receive the infusion after birth and then the number of fractures will be compared with untreated patients also.  Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplants appear to ease symptoms in children with this condition and it is hoped that starting earlier, when the bone is developing, will be even more effective.

 

Dr Cecilia Gotherstrom, from the Karolinska Institute, said: “If we could reduce the fracture frequency, strengthen bone and improve growth it would have a huge impact….It is the first in-­man trial and, if successful, it will pave the way for other pre­natal treatments when parents have no other option.”

 

Read the BBC report of this story here