NorCal SCI co-sponsors May 1 virtual presentation by Dr. Wise Young on umbilical cord blood stem cell clinical trials for chronic SCIs

Dr. Wise Young

Nearly a year after he attended an Open House in San Jose, renowned spinal cord injury researcher, Dr. Wise Young will take part in a “Virtual Presentation” on Fri., May 1st from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PT as part of a collaboration between NorCal SCI and W. M. Keck Center’s First Friday Open House where Dr. Young will provide an update on the progress of his ground-breaking umbilical cord blood stem cell clinical trials that would soon be taking place in the U.S.

The two-hour event will feature Dr. Young presenting for an hour followed by a one-hour Q&A session. There is limited video conference seating available and you must register in advance to attend HERE.

Dr. Young’s FDA-approved clinical trials involve the use of the umbilical cord blood stem cells for those 18-65 years old with chronic spinal cord injuries of C5-T11 ASIA A (Complete) that have been injured more than a year and are able to stand in a standing frame or tilt table for at least one hour daily. These trials are the first of their kind to use stem cells specifically for chronically-injured individuals. You can read more about Dr. Young’s work HERE.

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells. The umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells include most of the stem cells and monocytes. These cells release growth factors that stimulate regeneration in the spinal cord.

TO APPLY FOR ENROLLMENT IN THIS CLINICAL TRIAL: The FDA has granted approval for this clinical trial with 27 subjects. Neurosurgeons are reluctant to inject above C5 because of the phrenic nucleus which if damaged, it could result in diaphragm paralysis preventing the individual from being able to regulate breathing on his or her own. Dr Young plans to have a separate trial for high quads after this one. There is no cost to participate in a clinical trial, but if selected, you would have to cover the cost of lodging and transportation in New Jersey (site of the clinical trials) for 6 months. Send e-mail to Jim Bennett who will add you to his list to be alerted when recruitment begins: jimbenn@rutgers.edu