Financial and economic rationale for using emerging cell therapy technologies for treatment of traumatic injuries of the central nervous system in high technology healthcare

Abstract

Trauma of the spinal cord is a severe injury of the structure of the central nervous system leading to deep and enduring disability in most patients. Treatment and rehabilitation of such patients are associated with high costs to the state. Disability imposes even greater financial burden: loss of ability to work, expenses for financial assistance, yearly reha‑ bilitation, etc. Currently, methods of regenerative medicine are being actively developed and they are promising from the clinical point of view. However, effective treatment of spinal cord injury and recovery of even partial ability to work in patients should also have positive results from the financial standpoint. In 2018, we have completed the first part of a clinical trial confirming safety and high effectiveness of systemic use of umbilical-placental blood in the acute period of spinal cord injury. Based on the trial results, we have calculated potential financial benefit for the state from development of new methods of regenerative therapy for treatment of spinal cord injuries. In this article, we present financial and economic rationale for using such trials in current conditions.