Israeli Scientists Set to Attempt World’s First Spinal Cord Transplant, Raising Hope for Paralysed Patients

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Israel is preparing to perform the world’s first human spinal cord transplant using a patient’s own cells—a groundbreaking medical procedure that could allow paralysed individuals to stand and walk again, Tel Aviv University announced on Wednesday.

The surgery, expected in the coming months, represents a historic milestone in regenerative medicine.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 15 million people worldwide live with spinal cord injuries, most of which result from road accidents, falls, or violent incidents.

Currently, spinal cord injuries have no definitive cure. Treatment focuses on stabilising patients, preventing further damage, and maximising recovery through emergency interventions, surgery, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs or braces. While experimental approaches—including stem cell therapies and robotic devices—are under study, none has consistently restored full spinal cord function.

One of the biggest challenges is that spinal cord tissue cannot heal itself. Its structural complexity and sensitivity prevent natural regeneration.

“The spinal cord transmits electrical signals from the brain to the body. When trauma—such as a car accident, fall, or combat injury—severs it, the connection is broken. Think of an electrical cable that’s been cut: once the ends no longer touch, the signal cannot pass, leaving the patient paralysed below the injury,” explained Professor Tal Dvir, head of the Sagol Centre for Regenerative Biotechnology and the Nanotechnology Centre at Tel Aviv University. Dvir also serves as chief scientist at Matricelf, the Israeli biotech company commercialising the new technology.

Unlike other tissues, spinal cord neurons do not regenerate naturally. Scar tissue eventually blocks any residual signals. The new procedure aims to replace damaged sections with a lab-grown spinal cord that fuses with healthy tissue. Animal trials in rats have already yielded remarkable outcomes, with the animals regaining mobility.

The breakthrough began three years ago, when Dvir’s team engineered a personalised three-dimensional human spinal cord in the lab. Their study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Science, revealed that chronically paralysed mice regained movement after receiving engineered implants.

The process begins by collecting blood cells from the patient and reprogramming them into stem-like cells capable of developing into any cell type. Fat tissue is also extracted to create a customised hydrogel scaffold. The stem-like cells are then developed into spinal cord tissue, which is implanted to replace scarred regions and reconnect the nervous system.

Health Ministry Approves First Human Trials

A few months ago, Israel’s Ministry of Health granted preliminary approval for “compassionate use” trials in eight patients, making Israel the first nation to attempt such a procedure.

“This is undoubtedly a matter of national pride. The technology was developed here in Israel, at Tel Aviv University and at Matricelf, and from the outset, it was clear that the first surgery would be performed in Israel, with an Israeli patient,” Dvir said.

Matricelf, founded in 2019 under a licensing agreement with Tel Aviv University’s technology transfer company Ramot, is now leading commercialisation of the innovation.

“This milestone marks the transition from pioneering research to real-world treatment. By using each patient’s own cells, we eliminate major safety risks while positioning Matricelf at the forefront of regenerative medicine. This is more than a scientific breakthrough—it is a step towards transforming an area of medicine once thought untreatable,” said Matricelf CEO Gil Hakim.

He added: “If successful, this therapy could set a new global standard for spinal cord repair, addressing a multi-billion-dollar market that currently has no effective solutions. We are proud that Israel is leading this effort and remain committed to delivering this innovation to patients worldwide.”

Prof Dvir concluded: “Our mission is to help paralysed patients rise from their wheelchairs. The animal trials showed extraordinary results, and we are optimistic that human trials will be equally promising.”

Source: Jerusalem Post