Global Health Watch: First stem cell trial for stroke patients performed in Scotland

LONDON -- In the world’s first clinical trial, researchers in Scotland injected stem cells into a stroke patient in an effort to help repair brain and limb movement damage caused by ischaemic strokes, according to British media reports.

The clinical trial team led by Keith Muir, professor of neuroscience at Glasgow University, performed the initial operation last weekend at the Institute of Neurological Sciences at Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, one of Europe’s leading centers for stroke treatment.

The patient was described as “an elderly man” who suffered an ischaemic stroke, the most common form of stroke. He underwent an initial injection of a low dose of stem cells into the brain.

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The procedure was developed by ReNeuron, U.K.-based biotechnology company whose main activity is stem cell research for commercial use. Muir deemed the first phase of the pilot study a success in a statement released by ReNeuron.

After the first phase of the study, known as the Pilot Investigation of Stem Cells in Stroke, a higher dose will be injected close to the damaged area of the brain. Muir told reporters the team expects the process to work by “promoting the repair process ... naturally rather than filling in huge gaps in the head.”

The patient was discharged two days later. After his progress is monitored and continues, 11 more patients will be injected with stem cells in coming months. The British National Health Services reports on the pilot study and provides background on the clinical trial here.