A US biotech company has received federal approval to start the world’s first study of stem cells for treatment of spinal cord injury. Dr. Thomas Okarma, president and CEO of Geron Corp. of Menlo Park, California declared that 10 paraplegic patients will be injected with cells derived from embryonic cells.

All these patients are unable to walk but can use their arms. They will be administered a single dose of the injection within a fortnight of their injury. The injections will be made in the spine at the site of damage.

Animal studies show the cells will mature and repair what is essentially a lack of insulation around damaged nerves. At the same time they will also pump out substances that are required by the nerves to function and grow.

The study will open new avenues for embryonic stem cell research in the United States. The matter had led to lot of debates in the past. President George W. Bush prohibited federal funding of embryonic stem cell research but the new President Barack Obama is in favor of it.

The aim of the study will be to test the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Of course the doctors would also look for signs of improvement like in their patients like return of sensation or movement in the legs.