New Study: Adult Stem Cells Reverse Progressive MS-like Disease

Gives Patients New Chance at Life Pain and Drug Free

A new study published in the journal Neurology found that adult stem cells were successful in treating and reversing neuromyelitis optica, a debilitating autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis (MS). This is yet another medical breakthrough for adult stem cells, as opposed to embryonic stem cells, which have no such track record.

In response to this exciting news, Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the research and education arm of Susan B. Anthony List, released the following statement:

“Adult stem cells continue to show they are the gold standard of stem cells, providing validated success in therapy after therapy for patients, in contrast to embryonic stem cells, which have not produced a single validated cure in patients,” said Dr. David Prentice, CLI’s Vice President and Research Director, “It’s particularly significant in the current results that most patients suffering from neuromyelitis optica, a progressive autoimmune disease, after a single treatment with adult stem cells, remained treatment-free after five years, versus the standard expensive, ongoing drug treatment. Adult stem cell treatments also improved patient health and quality of life, compared to standard drug therapy. Dr. Richard Burt and other doctors like him should be congratulated for continuing to improve patient opportunities in clinical studies with adult stem cells.”

The study was conducted at Northwestern University by Dr. Richard Burt, a pioneer in treating patients with adult stem cells. According to Dr. Burt’s research, after five years, only two patients had relapsed and needed to go back on drug therapy.

Dr. Burt was profiled by Stem Cell Research Facts, and the inspirational story of Allison Carr, one of his patients with MS treated with adult stem cells, is available here.

Stem Cell Research Facts, a project of Charlotte Lozier Institute, has profiled individuals with debilitating diseases and serious medical conditions, who thanks to adult stem cell transplants, have recovered from their illnesses with some living pain-free for the first time in their lives.

Because adult stem cells have demonstrated success both clinically and in treating patients, adult stem cells are widely viewed as the gold standard for stem cell treatments.

Dr. Prentice has more than four decades of experience in life sciences including stem cells, cloning, cell biology, cell culture, genetics, biotechnology, bioethics, as well as life-related research and policy advising.