The Sutter Neuroscience Institute launches trial of cord blood stem cells in autistic kids

The Sutter Neuroscience Institute in Sacramento has launched the innovative research to discover whether infusing umbilical cord stem cells into the blood streams of autistic children will help them overcome the debilitating characteristics of the condition.

Dr Michael Chez, the principal investigator and Sutter’s director of pediatric neurology said, “The clinical trial is the first of its kind to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”  

The research will also help in identifying a valuable new tool in the struggle against autism spectrum disorders which affects about 1 in 88 children nationwide and 1 in 54 boys.  

Chez said, “This is an exciting trial, because it is exposing us to the new frontier of stem cells and whether they may have some positive effect on this disease,” Mr. Chez said.  He also said, “This is the start of a new age of research in stem cell therapies for chronic diseases such as autism.” 

The present research has also revealed robust new uses for the stem cells.  According to a report by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the likelihood of a child being given a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder increased more than 20% from 2006 to 2008.

The Sutter clinical trial follows promising research in using the cord blood stem cells to help the children with cerebral palsy to improve motor function.

Sutter Neuroscience Institute offers compassionate care, skilled diagnosis and advanced treatment for complex conditions of brain, spine and central nervous system for children and adults.