autologous mesenchymal stem cells (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute)

This autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy was developed by the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapy involves harvesting MSCs from a patient's own bone marrow, expanding them in vitro in specialized laboratories, and re-administering them to the patient via a single intravenous infusion. The mechanism of action is based on the cells' ability to modulate pathogenic immune responses and provide neuroprotection through the release of anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, and trophic factors. It was evaluated in the Phase II MESCAMS trial (part of the international MESEMS study), which included patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary progressive (SPMS), and primary progressive (PPMS) forms of the disease. While the therapy was found to be safe and well-tolerated, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint of significantly reducing gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI at 24 weeks.

Other names

Mesenchymal Stem Cellsautologous MSCsMESCAMS therapy