Cellular Therapy In Neurological Diseases

Neurological disorders and diseases affect all ages and ethnicities, and most result in long-term disability and irreversible conditions. A paper published in the Annals of Neurology reports the nine most common neurological diseases cost the United States nearly $800 billion a year. As our population ages and the prevalence of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease increase, neurological research and development becomes all the more important.

For years, scientists have looked to stem cell transplantation and other cellular therapies as potential treatment due to their regenerative capacity and differentiating capabilities. As research advances, cell therapy could hold a key to preventing, slowing the progression, and possibly reversing neurological disease progression.  

While no FDA-approved stem cell-based therapies are available for neurological diseases or disorders at present, several in development show potential. Here’s a look at a few notable developments. We also discuss the challenges sponsors face when running cell therapy-based trials.