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An NBC Chicago news story recently highlighted a first-of-its-kind study underway at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — a clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Pre-clinical studies suggest that the investigational treatment, NVG-291, works by promoting natural repair processes to improve the connections disrupted by a spinal cord injury.
The NBC Chicago segment featured Monica Perez, PT, PhD, who is a research scientist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and the lead investigator of the clinical trial.
“We are testing an investigational drug and the potential effect of this medication on functional restoration in people with spinal cord injury,” said Dr. Perez. “It aims to target the body’s natural capacity to repair. It aims to enhance connections from the brain to different muscles.”
First-Of-Its-Kind SCI Study
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There are 300,000 Americans living with SCI, and there are currently no FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatments available for patients. The current standard of care is surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine, followed by rehabilitation.
In the NBC Chicago segment, Dr. Perez said Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has connected with patients from around the world interested in participating in the study.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient Patrick K., age 70, sustained an SCI after falling off a ladder 35 years ago. Although he does not qualify to participate in the clinical trial, he shared his enthusiasm for SCI research.
“When I was injured, the prevailing medical wisdom was that if you didn’t get it back within six months, you weren’t going to get it back. And that’s been blown out the window,” said Patrick. “Thirty-five years ago, neuroplasticity wasn’t even a word. And so, this is all exciting and very new.”
Learn More
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Researchers currently are recruiting participants for Phase 2 of the clinical trial, as NVG-291 received Fast Track designation by the FDA after being shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a Phase 1 trial.
Interested participants are invited to learn more about the study.
