Mesenchymal stem cell-neural progenitor therapy (MSC-NPs) are bone marrow-derived cells with trophic and immunomodulatory properties. Their therapeutic potential in MS was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Participants had either primary progressive disease (PPMS) or secondary progressive disease (SPMS). They had a significant disability but could still walk (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS], 3.0-6.5). The 51 participants were randomized to six intrathecal injections of 10 million MSC-NPs (N=24) or saline (N=27) spaced 2 months apart. Due to the compassionate crossover design, participants crossed over into the opposite group in year 2.
The primary outcome was EDSS Plus, which means improvement in either EDSS, the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test, or the 9-hole peg test (9HPT). There were nine serious adverse events, but none were related to MSC-NP treatment. A total of seven participants withdrew from the study. There were no cases of meningitis or malignancies associated with the intervention. Mild headaches and fever were relatively more frequent following MSC-NP treatment. Read more – Click here to for full article