Scientists from the Karolinska Institute have found two different types of cells that give rise to the fibroblasts that form fibrotic scars after spinal cord injury (SCI) depending on their location. In a study in mice, the researchers observed that pericytes acted in lesions that affect the gray matter and perivascular fibroblasts acted in the white matter.

Researchers have developed a method to repair nerve connections in patients with spinal cord injuries using red and near-infrared light. The team from the University of Birmingham, U.K., are now planning to develop an implantable device to help surgeons protect and repair the spinal cord.

Asha Therapeutics LLC has nominated a development candidate, ASHA-624, as a potential disease-modifying therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with additional indications in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, glaucoma, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. ASHA-624 is expected to enter the clinic by year-end.

Nurexone Biologic Inc. has signed a strategic service agreement with Vivox Ltd. for large-scale animal testing of Exopten therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI).

Wandercraft SAS broadened its U.S. FDA clearance for the Atalante X to include rehabilitation in individuals with spinal cord injuries at levels T5 to L5. The self-balancing exoskeleton was already given the greenlight by the FDA for use in stroke rehabilitation in December 2022. “We are thrilled to have two FDA clearances, first for stroke and now spinal cord injury, in less than a year,” CEO Matthieu Masselin, told BioWorld.

Researchers from three California-based institutions are seeking patent protection for systems, devices and methods that allow brain-controlled limb movement and sensation.

Nurexone Biologic Inc. has reported results from laboratory tests of its secondary two proprietary sequences, showing promise for the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Previous research found that transplanting human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (hiPSC-NS/PCs) promoted motor functional recovery in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). hiPSC-NS/PC transplantation has been recently evaluated for subacute SCI in a first clinical trial. However, animal studies revealed that the effectiveness of NS/PC transplantation varies depending on the state of the injured spinal microenvironment, with reduced therapeutic effects in severe models. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent growth factor that promotes tissue regeneration through the MET receptor and constitutes an interesting candidate to enhance the efficacy of NS/PC transplantation.

Nurexone Biologic Inc.'s regenerative therapy Exopten has been awarded orphan drug designation by the FDA to treat acute spinal cord injury.