NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using neural stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries

Official title: “Neural Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Studies leading to an IND”

Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10999836 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new treatment using special cells to help heal spinal cord injuries, and it's designed for people who have experienced these types of injuries, as the researchers want to make sure the treatment is safe and effective before it can be tested in humans.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA San Diego Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project startNovember 1, 2024
Project endOctober 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number1IU1RX005349-01
Project IDNIH-10999836 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered spinal cord injuries and are seeking innovative treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with spinal cord injuries that are too severe or have been present for too long may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a therapy using neural stem cells to repair spinal cord injuries. The team has shown that these cells can survive when grafted into the spinal cord and can help regenerate nerve connections across damaged areas. They are working towards submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA, which is a crucial step before starting human clinical trials. The research aims to ensure that the stem cells are safe and effective for potential use in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using neural stem cells in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

  • VA San Diego Healthcare System
    San Diego, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tuszynski, Mark H. — VA San Diego Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Tuszynski, Mark H.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.