StemCells Inc (NASDAQ:STEM) updated its stakeholders about the interim results from its Phase II pathway study, involving HuCNS-SC cells, developed for the treatment of cervical spinal cord injuries.
Updated given at the presentation
The company made the presentation at the 2016 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) annual meeting in Philadelphia, which took place last Friday on April 15, 2016. The interim results included top line outcome reported for the six patients enrolled in open-label Cohort I from the Pathway Study.
The results fetched over the last six months showed that five of the six patients reported marked improvement in the muscle strength. At the same time, four of these five patients also showed enhanced performance in accomplishing functional tasks, which included dexterity and fine motor skills. Apart from this, four out of the total six patients experienced improvement in their cord injury level, which is measured by ISNCSCI (International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury).
Final results to come in 2017
After the release of this interim report, the company expects to publish full 12-month results by as early as its latest quarter. Commenting on these interim results, the company’s Chief Medical Officer and VP of Clinical Research, Dr. Stephen Huhn, said that the initial report is quite encouraging. He went on to state that the degree of motor changes promises enhanced independence and quality of life for cervical cord injury patients.
Dr. Huhn shared that the company is currently running 13 sites across the U.S. and Canada. The company has already enrolled and randomised 19 of the 40 total patients in its randomised, single-blind and statistically powered Cohort II. Amidst these developments, Dr. Huhn said that the enrolment process is expected to conclude by September this year, after which the company will prepare to publish final results in 2017.
