Final patient completes ReNeuron stem cell stroke trial

ReNeuron, the Aim-quoted life sciences firm, this morning announced that the final stroke patient had been treated in its stem cell trial at Glasgow’s southern general hospital.

Stem cells have the ability to turn into other cells in the body, giving doctors hope that they can be used to treat a range of diseases.

Data released last year by the Guildford-based company said that the first five patients in the study had “sustained reductions in neurological impairment and spasticity” when “compared with their stable pre-treatment baseline performance”.

The company added that “further and longer term data from the study will be presented at a scientific conference later this year”.

Michael Hunt, chief executive at ReNeuron, said: “We are delighted to have achieved another significant milestone in the development of our stem cell therapy for stroke, namely the completion of dosing in the pioneering clinical trial.

“At least ten clinical sites around the UK have expressed their desire and ability to participate in the proposed phase two study and, subject to remaining approvals, we look forward to commencing this study, as planned, later this year.”

News from the stroke trial comes a day after ReNeuron announced it would use Dundee’s Ninewells hospital for a trial to try and restore blood flow to patients’ legs using stem cells.