A groundbreaking Phase 1 human clinical trial aimed at treating chronic spinal cord injury has commenced at Griffith University in Australia. This world-first trial seeks to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an innovative treatment using nasal cells, marking a significant milestone in medical research.
The trial, which has been three decades in the making, involves the use of olfactory ensheathing cells—specialized cells from the nose known for their nerve repair and regeneration properties. These cells are harvested and used to create a “nerve bridge” that is implanted into the spine at the injury site. The trial is being conducted at Gold Coast University Hospital and is a blinded and randomized control study.
Revolutionary Approach to Spinal Cord Injury
Professor James St. John, the lead researcher and Head of Griffith’s Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, is spearheading this innovative project. He continues the legacy of the late Professor Emeritus Alan Mackay-Sim AM, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for this trial.
“Once the cells have been removed from the patient’s nose, they are then used to create an innovative nerve bridge which is about the size of a very small worm,” explained Professor St. John. “The nerve bridge is then implanted into the spine at the site of the injury, offering what we think is the best hope for treating spinal cord injury.”
To enhance the potential for nerve regeneration, patients will undergo intensive rehabilitation for three months before and eight months after the transplantation. While the primary goal is to ensure the treatment’s safety, researchers will also assess changes in functional outcomes that are crucial for individuals living with spinal cord injury.
Impact of Philanthropy and Long-Term Research
The trial is supported by the Clem Jones Foundation, among other philanthropic groups, which has been instrumental in advancing this research. Peter Johnstone, CEO of the Clem Jones Foundation, highlighted the importance of long-term funding in achieving breakthroughs in medical research.
“All of the funding partners recognize that results from medical research never happen overnight but rely on long-term funding as well as the long-term application of the knowledge, skills, and hard work of the talented team of researchers at Griffith University,” said Johnstone.
Support from various organizations, including the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, and the National Health and Medical Research Council, underscores the collaborative effort behind this trial. The Medical Research Future Fund and other entities have also contributed significantly to its funding.
A New Horizon for Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Perry Cross AM, founder of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation and a ventilated quadriplegic, has been a vocal advocate for finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. His foundation is one of the key supporters of the trial.
“For too long, individuals living with paralysis have been told that recovery lies beyond the horizon of possibility,” Cross stated. “Today, we challenge that notion with evidence, ambition, and above all, hope.”
Cross emphasized the trial’s potential to not only improve physical function but also restore a sense of independence and dignity to those affected by spinal cord injuries. His sentiments echo the broader aspirations of the research community and the spinal injury community at large.
Looking Ahead
Professor St. John expressed optimism about the trial’s progress, noting that advancing to clinical trials in just eight years is a testament to the strategic research approach employed by his team. The trial’s success could pave the way for new treatments and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide.
The trial is funded by a consortium of supporters, including the Queensland Government, Nicola and Andrew Forrest, the Brazil Family Foundation, Terry and Rhonda White, and Griffith University. As the trial progresses, the world watches with anticipation for the potential breakthroughs it may yield.
