First-ever in-utero stem cell therapy for fetal spina bifida repair is safe, study finds
Summary
UC Davis Health reports the world’s first in-utero stem cell therapy for spina bifida has demonstrated safety in Phase 1. The trial uses a placental-derived stem cell patch applied during fetal surgery, with six infants showing no safety concerns and MRI evidence of hindbrain herniation reversal; enrollment for Phase 1/2a is underway to assess long-term outcomes.