HESCs at Day 4

Since James Thompson and John Gearhart first reported success in isolating and growing human embryonic stem cells in 1998, expectations have exceeded actual usefulness in treating human disorders, though between 2001 and 2009, federal funding for HESC research was prohibited. A year after the restriction was lifted, Geron carried out the first clinical trial for HESC’s in treating spinal injury. Now, another company, Asterias Biotherapeutics (Fremont, CA) is picking up where Geron left off, and is using embryonic stem cells to generate oligodendrocytes which support neuron development but don’t actually grow nerve tissue. Clinical results have been positive thus far, though the studies have not been blinded. MORE

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