{
  "id": 5874952,
  "title": "Stem-cell breakthrough offers hope for spinal cord injury patients",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/stem-cell-breakthrough-offers-hope-for-spinal-cord-injury-patients-5874952",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-06T00:06:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/stem-cell-breakthrough-offers-hope-for-spinal-cord-injury-patients/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Millions of people who have experienced paralysis due to spinal cord injuries face a future in which walking again may no longer exist solely in the realm of dreams. Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by Professor Tal Dvir, are inching closer to a groundbreaking clinical trial of an engineered spinal cord implant aimed at repairing damaged tissue and potentially restoring mobility in individuals suffering from paralysis. After over a decade of research, Dvir's team has been exploring whether a patient's own cells can be transformed into new tissue capable of replacing damaged components of the nervous system. In an exclusive interview, Dvir emphasized the power of stem cells, stating, \"It is not science fiction, it is real.\" While the prospect is undoubtedly promising, some experts remain cautious, noting that the treatment remains experimental and has not yet demonstrated its ability to restore walking in humans. Regardless, the development is significant, as spinal cord injuries are among the most challenging forms of disability to reverse. According to the World Health Organisation, over 15 million people worldwide were living with spinal cord injuries as of 2021. For Nigeria, the potential impact is substantial, with an estimated 307,000 individuals living with spinal cord injuries in 2019, and an additional 17,000 expected to be newly diagnosed that year. However, data from sub-Saharan Africa remains relatively scarce, with some national figures being modeled estimates rather than comprehensive population counts. Damaged spinal cords are responsible for the loss of movement and sensation below the level of injury, depending on the severity and location of the damage. In Nigeria, where paralysis can be caused by various factors, including trauma and non-traumatic conditions, the Israeli research offers a potentially crucial advancement. The spinal cord acts as the primary communication pathway between the brain and the body, transmitting signals that control movement, sensation, and other vital functions. When the spinal cord is severely damaged, these signals may fail to pass normally, leading to paralysis in the legs, lower body, or both. Despite the challenges, the Israeli approach seeks to tackle the problem differently. Instead of relying solely on conventional surgery or rehabilitation, the team aims to create new neural tissue that can be implanted at the site of the spinal cord injury. This innovative technology, described in a 2022 study published in Advanced Science, involves reprogramming a patient's own cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, which can then be directed towards developing into different specialised cell types. These cells are incorporated into a three-dimensional tissue structure, holding promise for regeneration and repair. Initial research has shown promising results in animal studies, with over 80 percent of animals with chronic spinal cord injuries regaining the ability to walk after receiving the engineered tissue. However, translating these successes from mice to humans remains a complex task, as human spinal cord injuries vary significantly in location, severity, completeness, duration, and biological response. Despite the cautious optimism, eight patients are set to undergo a compassionate-use treatment in Israel, with Tel Aviv University and the biotechnology company Matricelf receiving preliminary approval from the country's Ministry of Health. While the first patient's procedure has since been delayed, the research remains a beacon of hope for those living with paralysis, offering the possibility of a future in which walking once again becomes a tangible reality.",
  "summary": "A new stem-cell breakthrough from Tel Aviv University offers hope for spinal cord injury patients, potentially restoring movement. Learn about this regener Read More: https://punchng.com/stem-cell-breakthrough-offers-hope-for-spinal-cord-injury-patients/",
  "key_points": [
    "Israeli researchers at Tel Aviv University develop engineered spinal cord implant.",
    "Stem cells transformed into new tissue to replace damaged nervous system components.",
    "Eight patients to undergo compassionate-use treatment in Israel."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Stem-cell breakthrough offers hope for spinal cord injury patients",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/stem-cell-breakthrough-offers-hope-for-spinal-cord-injury-patients",
        "published": "2026-09-06T00:06:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}