Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Gilbert stem-cell study enrolls its first patient

It doesn't mention the three sites the study will take place at so you'll have to call them directly if interested.
http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2012/08/14/20120814gilbert-stem-cell-study-enrolls-first-patient.html
Researchers at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center have enrolled their first patient into Stemedica Cell Technologies Inc.'s study to evaluate the safety of adult stem cells in stroke victims.
The study will involve 35 research volunteers at three U.S. centers. Dr. Nabil Dib, director of cardiovascular research at Mercy Gilbert and Chandler Regional medical centers, is the principal investigator for this facility.
The adult stem cells are obtained from the bone marrow of a single donor and are manufactured by Stemedica Cell Technologies in San Diego.
Dib believes these stem cells may have the ability to become different types of cells and may repair damaged and/or replace lost cells in the body due to disease.
"The information from this study may provide the data necessary to select safe and effective doses of adult stem cells to treat patients suffering from ischemic stroke or similar conditions," Dib said.
Strokes are the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in adults. Ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of all strokes.
"An ischemic stroke happens when blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain are blocked by a clot," said Dr. Jonathan Hodgson, medical director of Mercy Gilbert's Stroke Center. "The portion of the brain that is not getting oxygen begins to die very quickly." Paralysis, vision, balance and speech problems can result.
Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers, said, "By participating in research such as this may one day result in the means to reverse the neurologic, functional and motor deficits that oftentimes result in permanent disability for those who have suffered an ischemic stroke."
For details on becoming a donor call 480-728-5414 or go to mercygilbert.org/Research.

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