autologous mesenchymal stem cells (Haukeland University Hospital)

Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a cell-based biologic therapy being investigated by Haukeland University Hospital for the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS). Derived from the patient's own bone marrow, these cells are administered intrathecally into the cerebrospinal fluid. The therapeutic rationale is based on the ability of MSCs to migrate to sites of central nervous system (CNS) injury and exert neuroprotective effects through immunomodulation, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, and the stimulation of endogenous neural stem cells. In the SMART-MS phase 1/2 crossover trial, the therapy was evaluated for its neuroregenerative potential; however, primary neurophysiological endpoints were not met, and initial observations of reduced brain atrophy and lower inflammatory CSF protein levels were not sustained over time.

Other names

MSCsintrathecal MSCsmesenchymal stem cellsautologous bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells