Researchers have started a trial with a new stem cell therapy that should help, among other things, against genetic muscle disorders and muscle breakdown in the elderly.
Never before has this been attempted in this way and with this type of muscle stem cells. The technique differs per patient group. It matters, for example, whether it concerns a genetic defect that is easy to correct in the body’s own stem cells or not.
It is also being examined whether it is possible to give the stem cells some extras before they go back into the body. For example, medicines that ensure that – while the stem cells are absorbed into the muscle tissue – substances are delivered very locally.
The hope is that at least for some patients it can slow down or stop the decline in muscle function. Hopefully it can even improve things in some cases.
In this audio you can hear researcher and project leader Bert Smeets of Maastricht UMC+. Read more here: Innovative stem cell therapy offers hope for muscle recovery in rare, hereditary muscle disorders.
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