Spinal Cord Repair Research

[brainandspinalcord]

Here's a review of an interesting article from our blog:

http://www.brainandspinalcord.org/blog/2008/06/promising-spinal-cord-repair-research/

BioArctic Neuroscience AB and Swenora Biotech AB have announced the formation of an exclusive agreement geared towards a new type of treatment for spinal cord injuries.

With the goal of improving “functional recovery and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injury”, Swenora has created peripheral nerve grafts. In combination with a growth factor, these grafts have assisted with spinal cord repair in rodents.

This repair is applied by using a biodegradable device that combines peripheral nerves and a growth factor. It is used during neurosurgery when injured tissue is replaced. We will be keeping an eye out for more news on this advancement as it bodes well for the many patients with spinal cord injuries.

full article here :
http://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2008/06/26/3517686.htm

[Gary Anderson]

As a doctor this site interests me as does the research aspect.

HOWEVER, one question - are you a US based site? I ask this because although there is vital research being undertaken at the moment by UK scientists as regards spinal cord injury and they have made wonderful advances - nothing has as yet been passed for use on the public.

Leaps and bounds have been made with rodents but unless I am mistaken - there are no rodents on this forum. So, I await with interst, the results of tests done on humans.

As a doctor part of me is sceptical. Why? Because I have witnessed first hand the results of stem cells and various "foreign" treatments offering cures and believe you me as a disabled person, I would jump at anything to "cure" me. However, the hearbreak caused by some of these treatments is not reported.

Yes, ther are successes, but also there are failures.

I shall investigate your site when I have more time. Why? Because as well as being a doctor and as well as having spinal nerve damage - I also suffer from a TBI as a result of an accident 2 years ago.

I do not mean to demean the work of your site, however, for me, I would prefer to see some human results rather than the rodent kind. As I say, I know of one scientist at the moment who has regenerated cut spinal cords in rodents, however, nobody will allow him to test the work on humans.

[brainandspinalcord]

Thank you for your reply Dr. Anderson.
brainandspinalcord.org is a U.S.-based site, our main goal is to be a place of reference for brain and spinal cord injury survivors. Our website contains articles and videos to help answer some of the questions survivors may have, and the blog serves as a place our readers can learn about the latest studies, technologies, and issues, and discuss if they wish.
BioArctic and Swenora appear to be Swedish-based companies, and while I agree that work with humans is most important, we're just trying to disseminate the latest research.
I sincerely hope you find our website or blog to contain some useful information for you. If not, we very much appreciate comments and suggestions on how we can make it more accessible and helpful.
best wishes,
Amy