Are Stem Cells the Next Generation of Stroke Therapeutics?

Abstract

In this exciting atmosphere of having new endovascular treatment options for our acute stroke patients, the Stroke journal commissioned a focused update on the application of stem cells and cell-based therapies given new advancements in our mechanistic understanding of stem cells and given the launch of phase 2B and 3 efficacy trials. After initial attempts in cell transplantation approaches for patients with chronic subcortical strokes in the 1990s, the field of stem cells in stroke shifted focus over the past 20 years, resulting in new therapeutic strategies using easily accessible cell types that modulate immune responses to injury and amplify endogenous repair processes. We have learned that the secretomes and microparticles that cell therapies release may be the principal mediators of their therapeutic effects. Partnerships between industry and academia have been instrumental in advancing this field. Only a select few companies have sustained investments to carry out studies from preclinical development all the way to efficacy trials. Notably, Athersys has initiated two phase 3 efficacy trials on its cell-based platform, MultiStem, for patients with acute ischemic stroke, whereas ReNeuron and SanBio are now in phase 2B stages for patients with chronic stroke. In this focused update, we …