A groundbreaking trial in Japan showed promise in treating paralysis using neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Led by Hideyuki Okano and his team, four paralyzed individuals received injections of reprogrammed stem cells, resulting in one man being able to stand on his own and another moving his arms and legs, while the other two showed limited progress. The treatment was deemed safe, although larger trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells in regenerating tissue and treating diseases is a growing area of research with potential for dramatic recoveries like the participant who is now training to walk.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00863-0?linkId=13622861