UC Davis and Aldagen Collaborate on Cerebral Palsy Treatments

The Health System of the University of California, Davis (about 16 miles west of Sacramento and 75 miles northeast of San Francisco) has announced a new collaboration with North Carolina-based biopharmaceutical company Aldagen. The two entities plan to work together to explore the benefits of the unique adult stem cell population developed by Aldagen — their stem cells may help efforts to find cures and treatments for conditions such as:

cerebral palsy
ischemic stroke
traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Parkinson's disease
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; also known as Lou Gehrig's disease)

Adult Stem Cells Than Can Repair Neural Tissue

Aldagen develops proprietary regenerative cell therapies, and their technology isolates specific populations of adult stem cells that express high levels of ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase)-bright cells. Such cells — from cord blood and bone marrow — may be able to repair neural tissue such as that damaged in individuals with cerebral palsy.

In animal models, ALDH-bright cells have induced the formation of new blood vessels, helping to restore neural tissue. Aldagen researchers will be collaborating with Jan Nolta, director of the new UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures (IRC), and with Martha O'Donnell, a professor of physiology and membrane biology at UC Davis.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Individuals who suffer from cerebral palsy will most likely suffer from one or more of the following cerebral palsy symptoms:

muscle tightness
involuntary movement
speech problems
loss of bladder/ bowel control
difficulty swallowing
difficulty breathing
skin disorders
learning disabilities

Clinical Trials Expected in 1009

UC Davis is expected to be able to participate in clinical trials using adult stem cells as early as the end of 2009. The university already has more than 120 scientists involved in stem cell research, and the IRC is a $100 million facility in nearby Sacramento. "The promise and potential of our stem cell work is greatly enhanced by this type of collaborative partnership with private industry," said Nolta.

(Source: Market Watch)

If Your Loved One Has Cerebral Palsy

If your loved one has cerebral palsy and you're seeking new treatments, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer who will keep you informed on the latest advances in cerebral palsy treatments.