New stroke treatment reduces brain damage

Researchers have developed a New stem-cell based stroke treatment that reduces brain damage and quickens the brain’s natural healing tendencies in animal models. The findings of the study which was published in the journal Translational Stroke Research was carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Georgia’s Regenerative Bioscience Center and ArunA […]

Researchers have developed a New stem-cell based stroke treatment that reduces brain damage and quickens the brain’s natural healing tendencies in animal models.

The findings of the study which was published in the journal Translational Stroke Research was carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Georgia’s Regenerative Bioscience Center and ArunA Biomedical. 

The research team which was led by professor Steven Stice  of the University of Georgia and Nasrul Hoda of Augusta University created a treatment called AB126 using extracellular vesicles fluid-filled structures known as exosomes, which are generated from human neural stem cells.

The study revealed that this type of regenerative therapy appears to be the most promising in overcoming the limitations of many cell therapies-with the ability for exosomes to carry and deliver multiple doses-as well as the ability to store and administer treatment. Small in size, the tiny tubular shape of an exosome allows therapy to cross barriers that cells cannot.

“This is truly exciting evidence, because exosomes provide a stealth-like characteristic, invisible even to the body’s own defenses,” said Stice, Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar and D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “When packaged with therapeutics, these treatments can actually change cell progression and improve functional recovery.”

Stice who is also chief scientific officer of ArunA Biomedical said based on the pre-clinical results, ArunA Biomedical plans to begin human studies in 2019.

“Until now, we had very little evidence specific to neural exosome treatment and the ability to improve motor function,” said Stice. “Just days after stroke, we saw better mobility, improved balance and measurable behavioral benefits in treated animal models.”