Ministry blocks stemcell trial

A trial using stem cells to treat spinal injuries has been blocked by a Ministry of Health ethics committee.

The trial, by the Spinal Cord Society Research Centre in Dunedin, would have involved cells from the nose being injected into the spinal cord.

The Spinal Cord Society said the decision would be a blow for those who had already volunteered to take part in the trial.

It said it would continue to fight for approval for the treatment and was considering applying to the ethics committee on the independent Health Research Council.

The Health Ministry said not enough was known about stem cells for a trial to be carried out safely.

Detailing its rejection of the proposal, the committee also said the support of Christchurch's spinal unit at Burwood Hospital was essential but that it was not currently interested in being involved.

Two external reviewers had also recommended that the committee should not support the research at this stage.

- NZPA