A closely-watched clinical trial at the University of Michigan has produced positive results for ALS patients treated with stem cells, according to media reports.
The trial is the first of its kind to use stem cells for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Dr. Eva Feldman
Courtesy of U-M
At the time of the clinical trial, the patients that saw positive effects were in the early stages of the disease and did not have ALS symptoms of trouble speaking or swallowing, according to the Detroit News.
According to the ALS Association, the disease affects as many as 30,000 people in the U.S. each day.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.