Stem Cell Research For Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be life-changing, often leading to permanent paralysis or loss of sensation. While there’s no definitive cure yet, stem cell treatment is a hot topic in research, offering the potential to replace damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and even regenerate nerves.

But what do the studies say? Let’s break down some key research findings on stem cells and spinal cord injury!

If you want to know about the Stem Cell Therapy treatment process for Back pain in general, our article here would be a useful read. Or, if you’re thinking about getting Stem Cell Therapy, set up a conversation with our team here who can guide you through the process and connect you with the best clinics globally!

Current Trials

There’s around 9 current trials looking at how stem cells can treat Spinal Cord Injuries, we’ve highlighted a few below and simplified them all for you! If you want to look at the full studies, just click on the headings!

iPSC-Based Neural Stem Cell Transplantation – Japan
(Here is the press release, published in May 2025)

Methodology

This early-phase study tested whether neural stem/progenitor cells, created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are safe to use in people with severe spinal cord injuries. Each patient received around 2 million cells injected directly into their spinal cord injury site. The iPSCs were reprogrammed from donor cells and turned into early-stage neural cells before transplant. Because these weren’t the patients’ own cells, each participant was given immunosuppressive medication to prevent rejection. Researchers monitored patients for one year using neurological tests, functional assessments (like the ability to move or eat independently), and safety evaluations.

Results

The treatment appeared safe. No serious side effects were linked to the stem cell transplant. Two of the four patients showed notable improvements:

• One patient regained the ability to stand on their own and began practicing walking.
  
• Two patients regained use of their arms, with enough improvement to eat independently.
  
•  The other two patients showed no significant changes in motor function, highlighting that results can vary
  
  What’s Interesting About This Study?
  This is the first-ever human trial using iPSC-derived neural cells for spinal cord injury, marking a major step forward in regenerative medicine. Unlike embryonic stem cells, iPSCs are made by reprogramming adult cells, avoiding ethical issues and potentially reducing tumor risk. What’s also unique is that the study treated people during the subacute phase (2–4 weeks after injury), a window that may offer better potential for regeneration. The fact that two patients with complete paralysis regained meaningful function is a strong signal that iPSC therapies may hold real promise. BUT more research is needed to understand who benefits most and why.
  

OPC1 Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury

(To read more, the press release is here)

Who’s Running This Study?

This clinical trial is being conducted by Lineage Cell Therapeutics, a biotech company specializing in cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative conditions and injuries. They are testing OPC1, a treatment derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), designed to repair spinal cord injuries. It was launched in February 2025.

Who’s Taking Part?

• The study includes patients with cervical spinal cord injuries who have lost significant motor function.
• Participants will receive different doses of OPC1 cells to evaluate their impact on nerve repair and mobility improvements.

How Does It Work?

• OPC1 is made from special nerve-supporting cells (oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) that come from embryonic stem cells. These cells help repair damage by restoring myelin, the protective layer around nerves.
• The treatment is injected directly into the spinal cord at the injury site, where it aims to protect and regenerate nerve connections.
• Higher doses (10-20 million cells) in earlier trials showed better recovery results, meaning the number of cells used could be a key factor in how well it works.

What’s Interesting About This Study?

• OPC1 is one of the few treatments targeting actual nerve repair rather than just reducing inflammation.
• The study aims to confirm whether higher doses improve motor function and long-term recovery.
• Previous trials have demonstrated a strong safety profile, with no serious adverse effects related to OPC1 reported so far.

Next Steps

• The trial will assess safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing levels over an extended period.
• If successful, OPC1 could become a breakthrough treatment for spinal cord injury patients, offering real nerve regeneration and improved mobility.

NCT01772810 – United States
Location: UC San Diego, La Jolla, California
Participants: Four adults with severe spinal cord injuries (T2–T12) that happened 1–2 years earlier
Phase: I

Methodology:
This study tested whether a new treatment using neural stem cells (specialized cells from a fetus) is safe and can help people with severe spinal cord injuries. Each patient received six tiny injections of these cells near their injury using advanced tools. To prevent rejection, they were given medication to suppress their immune systems for 12 weeks. Researchers monitored the patients closely for five years to see how they responded, using tests for movement, feeling, and scans of their spinal cords.

Results
The treatment was safe, with no major side effects linked directly to the stem cells. Out of the 65 issues reported, only one was serious (an infection not related to the treatment). Two patients showed some improvements in movement and feeling below their injury, and new muscle activity was detected in tests. Pain levels improved for two patients, but no one regained enough movement to change their daily lives significantly.

What’s Interesting About This Study?
The big takeaway from this study is that it proved neural stem cells are both safe and feasible to use for treating chronic spinal cord injuries, a major milestone in this field. This study is one of the first to test fetal-derived neural stem cells, which are taken from specific fetal tissue and are already partially specialized, reducing the risk of tumor formation compared to embryonic stem cells. It also focused on people with severe, long-term injuries—cases that are usually considered untreatable. By following the patients for five years, the study provides valuable insights into what this treatment might achieve in the future.

NCT05152290 – Argentina
Location: Center for Investigation in Tissue Engineering and Cellular Therapy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Participants: 20 adults with spinal cord injuries
Phase: I

Methodology
This study is testing a treatment using stem cells taken from umbilical cords to see if they can help people with spinal cord injuries. Participants get a total of 100 million stem cells delivered two ways: through an IV (straight into the bloodstream) and through an injection into the spinal fluid (this is called intrathecal). For patients with more severe injuries, the study also offers a personalized treatment using their own immune cells. The participants are being closely monitored for safety and improvements over four years, with evaluations at regular intervals.

What’s Interesting About This Study?

What makes this trial stand out is its dual delivery method—using both IV and intrathecal injections to give the treatment the best chance of working. On top of that, it’s looking at whether a big dose of 100 million cells can make a real difference for spinal cord injury patients. Plus, for those with more serious conditions, it’s tailoring the approach by adding personalized immune cell treatments.

NCT04520373 – United States
Location: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Participants: 40 adults with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI), AIS grade A or B
Phase: II

Details:
This Phase II trial is testing a combination of therapy and personalized stem cell treatment for people with spinal cord injuries. 

Methodology:
Participants are split into two groups: one starts with six months of physical and occupational therapy before receiving the treatment, and the other gets the stem cell injections right away. The stem cells, called AD-MSCs, are taken from each participant’s own fat tissue, expanded in the lab, and injected into the spinal cord area. Interestingly, the study doesn’t specify how many cells are used, which stands out compared to other trials that often report this detail. Researchers will track motor and sensory function improvements, bladder and bowel symptoms, and any potential issues at the injection site.

What’s Interesting About This Study:
What makes this trial interesting is its personalized approach. By using stem cells from the participant’s own body, it reduces the chance of immune rejection—a challenge in stem cell therapy. The intrathecal delivery method ensures targeted treatment to the central nervous system. Additionally, combining stem cell therapy with a structured rehabilitation plan could optimize recovery outcomes. The omission of a specific cell count also adds an element of curiosity, potentially allowing researchers to explore dosage-related impacts more broadly.

Studies Completed since 2020

There haven’t been too many completed trials with results since 2020, here’s one below.

Rong et al. (2020)
Location: The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Participants: 102 individuals aged 18–65 with complete or incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) at the cervical, thoracic, or thoracolumbar levels.

Method: Participants were given four injections of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) directly into the spinal fluid, spaced a month apart. The doses were personalized to each person’s body weight (1 million cells per kilogram). To see how well it worked and ensure it was safe, researchers checked in at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the final injection, using tools like the ASIA score and the SCI Functional Rating Scale.

Results:

• Improved Function: Many participants showed better sensory, motor, and autonomic function, with benefits that lasted throughout the follow-up period.
• Safety: There were no major side effects reported, which supports the idea that repeated high-dose cell treatments are safe.

• Why High Cell Counts Matter: Using a personalized, high-dose approach seemed to help repair tissue and improve function by delivering more therapeutic cells right where they were needed.
  

Data Completed:
Study Completion Date: March 31, 2020
Study Start Date: March 30, 2018

Results

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injuries: A 2024 Review
This 2024 review in Regenerative Therapy delves into how adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) might help treat spinal cord injuries (SCI). Drawing on preclinical studies from Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., as well as clinical trials in China and Vietnam, it paints a hopeful picture. While the findings show potential for recovery and address key safety questions, the review also highlights the hurdles in bringing these treatments from the lab to real-world use.

Key Takeaways

Are ADSC Therapies Safe?
Studies so far show that ADSC therapies are generally safe. The side effects reported—like temporary pain or swelling at the injection site—were mild and manageable. Thankfully, no severe adverse events have been linked to these treatments, though researchers agree that longer follow-ups are needed to confirm their safety over time.

Do ADSCs Work for Spinal Cord Injuries?
Early results from preclinical models are promising. ADSCs appear to aid recovery by promoting nerve regeneration and reducing inflammation. Clinical trials back this up to some extent, with some SCI patients seeing improvements in motor and sensory function. However, outcomes vary significantly, and proving long-term effectiveness remains a challenge.

Where Do ADSCs Come From?
ADSCs are derived from fat tissue—a readily available and safer source compared to other stem cell types. Most trials used cells from the patients themselves, reducing the risk of immune rejection.

What Challenges Remain?
Standardization: Inconsistent methods for isolating and preparing ADSCs make it tough to compare results across studies.
Cell Survival: The hostile environment of a spinal cord injury makes it hard for ADSCs to thrive and repair damaged tissue.

What’s Missing in Clinical Trials?
Many studies are small, with no control groups, limiting the reliability of their conclusions. Long-term results—beyond a year—are particularly scarce, leaving questions about durability unanswered. BUT current trials are addressing this.

Review Summary
According to this review, ADSC therapy holds real potential for improving the lives of spinal cord injury patients. Early research highlights its safety and shows encouraging signs of helping restore motor and sensory functions. That said, there’s still work to do. Challenges like the short survival of transplanted cells, inconsistencies in how the therapy is prepared and delivered, and the need for proof of long-term success remain hurdles.

2022 Review on 62 Spinal Cord Injury Trials
This meta-analysis, published in BMC Medicine in 2022, dives into 62 clinical trials involving 2,439 patients from around the world. It sheds light on the promise of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries (SCI) while pointing out the hurdles researchers and clinicians still face.

Key Takeaways

Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe?

• No major side effects—like tumors—were seen in the studies, even with doses as high as 20 billion cells.

• Some common issues, like muscle spasms, pain, or infections, popped up in over 20% of patients, but these were manageable.

• The catch? Follow-up only lasted two years or less, so we still don’t know if long-term risks, like abnormal tissue growth, might emerge.

Does It Work?

• Around 48.9% of patients showed better motor and sensory function, jumping at least one level on the ASIA Impairment Scale.
• Improvements in bladder and bowel function (42%-52%) were small but encouraging for SCI patients seeking any improvement in daily life.
• Results varied a lot, depending on the type of stem cells, injury severity, and how they were used.

Which Stem Cells Work Best?

• Some stem cells stood out more than others:
  – Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) led the pack.
  – Neural stem cells (NSCs) and umbilical cord cells (UCMSCs) also performed well.
  – Bone marrow and fat-derived stem cells had moderate results.
• Doses ranged from 50,000 to 20 billion cells, delivered in various ways—like injections into the spine or veins.

What’s Holding It Back?

• Short-Term Focus: Most studies ended in two years or less, leaving us in the dark about long-term effects.
• Too Many Variables: Differences in cell sources, doses, and methods make it tough to compare studies or find the “best” approach.
• Small Studies: Many trials didn’t have enough patients or control groups to draw solid conclusions.

Best Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for Spinal Cord Injuries

Choosing a stem cell clinic can feel overwhelming. That’s why we do the homework for you.

We don’t just list clinics, we talk to them personally and track real patient results from people who’ve gone through treatment. Here’s how:

• Data Backed Recommendations: We track real world treatment results from patients who use our platform. So we can tell you what treatments actually work, backed by real data.

• Clinic Vetting: Our team personally speaks to clinics, No automated sign ups.  Also, we use our growing data to constantly vet our clinics to make sure we’re only working with the best. 

• Help Build the First Database!: The more patients like you that use our platform to find the right Stem Cell Therapy Clinic, the smarter our system gets. By choosing us, you’re not just getting support, you’re helping build the world’s only global treatment database tracking real stem cell results!

Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in Colombia for Spinal Cord Injuries

Kyron Clinic
See Full Profile to Learn More

Kyron Stem Cells is a Stem Cell Therapy clinic that focuses on a variety of treatments, including joint pain, chronic fatigue, autoimmune issues, and overall wellness.The clinic is led by Dr. Carlos Rojas, who has been working with stem cells since 1991 and has over a decade of experience in functional and hormone-based medicine. He is known for creating treatment plans that are genuinely personalized, based on each patient’s biology and lab results.

Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in the UK for Spinal Cord Injuries

Regenesis
See Full Profile to Learn more

Regenesis is a leading UK specialist in Stem Cell Therapy for musculoskeletal injuries, treating spine & back injuries.

Their team includes some of the UK’s leading orthopedic and pain medicine experts. They’ve got decades of experience in sports medicine and regenerative therapies.

Conclusion

Stem cell therapy trials for spinal cord injuries shows immense promise, with evidence of safety and improvements in motor and sensory function for many patients. 

Challenges like short-term follow-ups, variability in methodologies, and concerns about long-term risks still need to be addressed. 

However, current trials like the ones mentioned above are beginning to tackle these issues, such as extending monitoring periods to five years and experimenting with consistent cell dosages and delivery methods.

If you’re thinking about Stem Cell treatment for your spinal cord injury, the studies are a little early so be aware of this when making you decision!