The Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine (SCRM, for its acronym in English) at Tel Aviv University (Israel) is taking decisive steps to achieve the world's first implant of an artificial spinal cord in a person with paralysis after a spinal cord injury.
This project involves the biotechnology company Matricelf and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, also in Israel. According to the initiative's leaders, the technology is already close to its first application in a patient with this type of injury, with the aim of "restoring their ability to stand, walk, and regain their independence."
To make this advance possible, Matricelf, specialized in the development of a biological neural implant to treat spinal cord injuries, has signed a collaboration agreement with the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center. From this agreement, a protocol will be implemented to select and assess suitable candidates and obtain blood samples intended to manufacture personalized neural implants.
"This scientific advance is based on a revolutionary organ engineering technology" developed at Tel Aviv University by the SCR member and chief scientist of Matricelf, Professor Tal Dvir, they detailed. The Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center, specialized in the care of patients with spinal cord injuries, assumes the coordination of clinical aspects, including the identification and evaluation of participants and support throughout the procedure.
Once an appropriate candidate is located and they give their consent, a blood sample will be taken to generate induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells will form the cellular part of the autologous neural implant, that is, an implant designed individually for each patient from their own cellular material.
First treatment expected for 2027
"This is a significant step in the transition from the scientific development stage to preparation for clinical implementation, laying the necessary foundations for the first implantation in a human patient," they noted from Matricelf. The company estimates that, "if everything goes as planned, it will be possible to complete the process and begin treatment of the selected patient in the first half of 2027."
The company has specified that, "by using the patient's own cells and tissues," it seeks to "reduce the risk of implant rejection and improve its integration into the body." However, they have emphasized that "treatment can only begin once all scientific and regulatory requirements have been met and final approval has been received from the Ministry of Health."
"The Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Department of Loewenstein is a leader in this field in Israel, with extensive experience in treating people with complex spinal cord injuries," stated the deputy director of the service, Dr. Dianne Michaeli. She highlighted the "deep understanding of patients and their rehabilitation processes," which allows for "contributing to the identification and evaluation of suitable candidates for the study."
To conclude, she emphasized that "the collaboration with Matricelf combines Loewenstein's clinical and rehabilitation experience with innovative technology in regenerative medicine." All of this is carried out "with the hope that in the future it will be possible to offer new treatment options to people living with paralysis due to a spinal cord injury."