The Safety of ahSC in Chronic SCI With Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of autologous human Schwann cell (ahSC) transplantation in participants with chronic SCI. This trial design is phase I, open label, unblinded, non-randomized, and non-placebo controlled multiple injury cohorts.

For humans with chronic SCI, we hypothesize that axons might show improved function if myelin repair is induced with the implantation of ahSC. In addition spinal cord cavitation may be reduced, and neural sprouting and plasticity may be enhanced via neurotrophic effects. In this trial, subjects will receive fitness conditioning and rehabilitation prior to transplantation in order to validate the stability of their neurological baseline and enhance their ability to undergo surgery with few complications. They will also receive fitness conditioning and rehabilitation post-transplantation to maintain health and promote neuronal activity and potential neuroplasticity. Trial enrollment will target 2 cohorts. The first cohort will be thoracic (T) level 2-12 ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A, B, or C (n = up to 4), the second cohort will be cervical (C) level 5 through T1 AIS A, B, or C (n = up to 6). Two (2) participants with AIS grade A will be enrolled prior to enrolling a participant with AIS B or C, applicable to both cohorts. Participants will be monitored throughout a 6 month post-transplantation evaluation period for occurrence of AEs (acute, delayed, and/or cumulative), as well as for changes in clinical status and neurological status. Safety and efficacy assessments will be performed at weeks 1 and 2 post-transplantation and months 2 and 6 post-transplantation.