World’s first spinal cord transplant could allow patients to walk again

Israel is preparing for what is described as the first human spinal cord implant using a patient’s own cells, in the hope of restoring walking ability.

The surgery, expected in the coming months, aims to help paralysed patients stand and walk again by replacing damaged tissue with laboratory-grown cells.

The procedure was developed at Tel Aviv University by professor Tal Dvir, head of the Sagol Centre for Regenerative Biotechnology and the Nanotechnology Centre.

Dvir, said: “The spinal cord transmits electrical signals from the brain to all parts of the body.

“When it is severed by trauma—such as a car accident, a fall, or a combat injury—the chain is broken.

“Think of an electrical cable that has been cut: when the two ends no longer touch, the signal cannot pass, and the patient remains paralysed below the injury.”

Unlike other tissues, spinal cord neurons cannot regenerate. Scar tissue builds up and blocks signals.

Current treatment focuses on stabilising patients, preventing further damage and maximising function through emergency care such as immobilising the spine, reducing inflammation or surgery, followed by rehabilitation, assistive devices and experimental therapies.

The new procedure replaces scarred areas with a lab-grown implant designed to fuse with healthy tissue above and below the injury.

In animal trials, rats regained the ability to walk normally.

The process begins by collecting blood cells from the patient and reprogramming them into stem-like cells, which can develop into many types of tissue.

Fat is also taken to create a hydrogel scaffold – a supportive gel structure – into which the cells grow into spinal cord tissue.

This engineered tissue is then implanted to reconnect damaged sections.

Dvir’s team began developing the approach three years ago, first creating a personalised three-dimensional spinal cord in the lab.

Mice with chronic paralysis later regained mobility after receiving implants.

Israel’s Ministry of Health has given preliminary approval for “compassionate use” trials in eight patients.

Compassionate use allows experimental treatments when no other option exists.

Dvir said: “Our goal is to help paralysed patients rise from their wheelchairs.

“The animal model trials showed extraordinary success, and we are hopeful that the results in humans will be just as promising.”