New Study Finds Cord Blood-derived Stem Cell Treatments Improve Ataxia Patients' Functionality and Quality of Life

Hereditary Ataxia is a neurodegenerative disorder. Symptoms of the condition include a variety of functional impairments relating to speech, walking, swallowing, and other physical activities and there is no cure for this condition.

Over the course of the study, participants received 4-6 stem cell treatments via intravenous injection or by cervical or lumbar puncture, and underwent twice-daily 30-minute physical therapy sessions. The study concluded, "In addition to the early effect seen in some subjects, the measured improvements persisted throughout the period of the study, and were noted with the follow-up data from a subset of subjects." Study authors recommend further double blind placebo controlled studies to validate the efficacy, safety and long-term effects of the treatments.

Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem (MEDS.PK) stated, "The results of this important new study add to the growing body of published clinical research that suggests the efficacy of adult stem cell therapies, and points to their even greater potential in the future. This study represents a significant step forward for both the scientific and patient communities, alike."

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