Breakthrough therapy allows paralyzed man to stand again

A Japanese man who was paralyzed for years can now stand again thanks to a new stem cell therapy. This innovative treatment is part of a clinical trial led by stem-cell scientist Hideyuki Okano at Keio University in Tokyo. The results were shared at a press conference on March 21. The trial involved four individuals, with two showing significant improvements. One man gained movement in his arms and legs, while the other can now stand on his own. The remaining two participants did not experience notable changes in their conditions. Researchers injected neural stem cells into the patients’ damaged spinal cords. These cells were derived from reprogrammed body cells that can transform into various cell types. While the treatment appears to be safe, scientists stress the need for larger trials to confirm its effectiveness and understand cell survival rates following the procedure.