Testing and Trials

The technology behind Q-Cells™ has been under development for decades at leading research institutions.  In 2004, Q Therapeutics began moving Q-Cells from the laboratory to the clinic by defining a clear vision for the product, determining a manufacturing process to meet FDA guidelines and developing a plan to conduct clinical trials at top universities.

The first clinical trial will focus on demonstrating Q-Cells™ safety in patients with transverse myelitis.  During this trial, we will also evaluate the ability of Q-Cells to remyelinate neurons that have lost their insulating myelin layer.  Based on our work in models of demyelination, we believe that implanted Q-Cells will perform their natural support role for neurons in the vicinity of the implant.

The localized nature of Q-Cells, combined with a defined clinical path, should result in a rapid development timeline.  Success in the initial trial will also provide a proof of concept for treating other related diseases involving demyelination, including multiple sclerosis (MS).  Future disease targets under evaluation include treatment of certain spinal cord injuries caused by physical trauma in which demyelination contributes to dysfunction.

In addition, we plan to advance our platform technologies and product lines through clinical trials to treat non-demyelinating neural degenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease).