Our vision is that we will create a world where spinal cord injury can be cured.
The global picture:
Scientists have made a landmark moment in the search for a cure – for the first time, they have successfully reconnected severed long spinal nerve fibres.
Supported by nsif, a patient receiving cell therapy combined with two years of intensive rehabilitation has regained assisted walking and some sensation. Early indications also suggest possible improvements in bladder, bowel and sexual function; though these continue to be evaluated.
While a complete recovery is not yet possible, this breakthrough demonstrates that meaningful restoration of function can be achieved. This offers real hope for improving quality of life after a spinal cord injury has been sustained.
Our mission is to develop biological treatments that enable spinal cord injury repair. The greatest challenge in SCI is the severing of long fibre tracts that carry signals for movement and sensation. These fibres do not naturally repair themselves, but nsif-backed research is working to change that.
Using a pioneering surgical technique, researchers transplant olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) from a patient’s own body directly into the injury site. These cells create a supportive environment that enables damaged nerve fibres to regrow across the gap caused by injury.
This approach is still in its early stages, but the results are extraordinary. For the first time, we are seeing evidence that the spinal cord can be repaired, and that recovery of function is possible.
With continued investment in research, we can accelerate progress and bring life-changing treatments closer for people living with spinal cord injury.
Help make a cure for spinal injury become a reality
