OHSU Researchers Employ Stem Cells To Fight Disease
Oregon Health and Science University is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of a new human stem cell product. Researchers hope it will help treat children with a rare genetic disorder.
Doernbecher Hospital spokeswoman Tamara Hargens says the stem cells, which come from fetal brain tissue -- not embryos -- might be able to treat kids with Batten disease.
Tamara Hargens: "Batten disease is a heartbreaking and devastating diagnosis for children and their families and it's our hope here at Doernbecher that the stem cells will provide an important therapeutic advance for these children who have no other viable options."
A child with Batten disease gradually loses his or her ability to walk, talk and even see. They end up bedridden.
The trial is the first time the FDA has approved a study that uses human fetal neural stem cells as a therapeutic agent in humans.
