CIRM Funded Clinical Trials
Progenitor Cells Secreting GDNF for the Treatment of ALS
Progenitor Cells Secreting GDNF for the Treatment of ALS

Clive Svendsen
Disease Area:
Investigator:
Institution:
CIRM Grant:
CLIN2-09284 (Closed)
Award Value:
$6,154,067
Trial Sponsor:
Trial Stage:
Phase 1/2
Trial Status:
Completed
Targeted Enrollment:
18
ClinicalTrials.gov ID:
Details:
ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no cure that specifically affect a patient's motor neurons in the brain. A team at Cedars-Sinai is transplanting millions of genetically engineered stem cells into patients with ALS. When transplanted into the patient spinal cord, these cells become astrocytes, the support cells that keep nerve cells functioning. Due to the genetic modifications, the cells also deliver high doses of a growth factor which has been shown to protect nerve cells. The goal of this early stage trial is to test the safety of this astrocyte replacement strategy in ALS patients.
Design:
Dose escalation. Open label.
Goal:
Safety. Dosing. Efficacy - Lower limb strength