Spina bifida is a devastating and costly birth defect that
causes lifelong paralysis and is one of the most common birth
defects worldwide. Spina bifida affects physical, educational,
social, and psychological development, and most children require
many operations throughout life. A recent randomized controlled
trial showed for the first time that spina bifida can be
improved by surgically repairing the defect before birth.
However, improvements in the distal neurological consequences
(such as paralysis and bladder incontinence) were less strong.
This project aims to address these problems by developing a stem
cell product from the fetus's own tissue and applying these
cells during surgery before birth in order to take advantage of
the unique immunology of the developing fetus. In this project
we will complete the development of this stem cell product and
establish its preliminary safety and efficacy in appropriate
animal models. Successful use of stem cell therapy for spina
bifida could potentially cure this