Spina bifida trial: Stem cell therapy achieves 100% reversal of brain damage

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By Claudia Tanner

Stem cell therapy performed while babies are still in the uterus could help reverse brain abnormalities associated with spina bifida, according to new research from the University of California.

In a clinical trial involving six babies, surgeons performed foetal surgery to correct spinal defects. In addition to standard surgical repair, stem cells harvested from donated placentas were applied directly to the exposed spinal cord during the procedure.