Athersys Reports MultiStem Treatment May Reduce Inflammation and Promote Reparative Processes Following Acute Brain Injury

Athersys

announced today the publication of an article in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Journal of Neuroinflammation, that describes the results of a preclinical study evaluating the administration of MultiStem® cell therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rodents. The article, authored by investigators from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), together with scientists from Athersys, describes preclinical study results demonstrating that administration of MultiStem cells modulates the inflammatory environment that follows TBI, by reducing immune cell and cytokine activity associated with inflammation. TBI affects approximately 1.7 million patients in the United States annually and severe injuries can be associated with significant long-term physical, cognitive and psychological deficits.  As in other acute injuries and diseases affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke and spinal cord injury, TBI leads to substantial inflammation, which slows innate recovery processes and contributes to secondary tissue damage. The publication further illustrates the mechanisms through which cellular therapy may provide benefit to patients suffering significant injury to the central nervous system. "MultiStem therapy shows promise for treating traumatic brain injury, as well as ischemic stroke and spinal cord injury," said Dr. Robert Mays,