Neuralstem Obtains Approval From IRB

Neuralstem has reported that its Phase I trial to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) with its spinal cord stem cells has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Emory University in Atlanta.

Reportedly, the trial, which was approved by the FDA in September, will take place at the Emory ALS Center, under the direction of Jonathan Glass, director of the Emory ALS Center, who will serve as the site principal investigator (PI).

The trial is expected to study the safety of Neuralstem’s cells and the surgical procedures and devices required for multiple injections of Neuralstem’s cells directly into the grey matter of the spinal cord.

Richard Garr, CEO of Neuralstem, said: “The commencement of the first trial using our stem cells, and the first ALS stem cell trial in the US, represents a significant step in regenerative medicine. We look forward to working with the Emory ALS Center. We expect to begin treating patients with our stem cells in January. Again, patients who are interested should reach out directly to the Emory ALS Center.”