A British biotechnology company has developed a new stem cell therapy that may eventually cure autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis. LIFNano Therapeutics developed the new stem cell therapy using a revolutionary nanoparticle delivery system.
The founder and chief scientific officer of LIFNano Therapeutics, Dr. Su Metcalfe, says that the therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This stem cell therapy is yet to be tested on humans, but initial results are very positive.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system eats away the protective coating of nerves in the brain and nervous system. Once the nerves have been compromised, communication between the patent’s brain and body is disrupted.
Symptoms of MS include speech problems, tremors, blurred vision, pain, fatigue, muscle spasms, and numbness. It is a very common condition that affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide.
The new stem cell therapy uses a naturally-occurring stem cell protein called LIF. This protein is capable of signalling the body to produce more myelin — the substance that forms the protective coating surround nerve cells. LIF also plays a major role in keeping the spinal cord and brain healthy.
Dr. Metcalfe has been studying the LIF protein for years and believes it is much more powerful than people suspect. According to Metcalfe: “It (LIF) plays a major role in tissue repair generally, turning on stem cells that are naturally occurring in the body, making it a natural regenerative medicine, but also plays a big part in repairing the brain when it’s been damaged.”
The problem faced by researchers was learning how to successfully increase LIF levels in the patient. When injected into a patient, it breaks down too quickly to be effective.
The researchers discovered they could use polymer nano spheres to provide the patient with a sustained dose of LIF. The researcher’s discoveries may eventually lead to a cure for many autoimmune diseases within the next few years.
Source: Stem Cell Therapy Offers Hope for Multiple Sclerosis Remission
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