Our Approach
Our Approach: Novel ideas for reversing paralysis will be tested in clinically-relevant chronic injury animal models through international and multi-center pre-clinical trials. Promising therapies, once validated in animal models, will be brought forward promptly for international human clinical trials.
Why Pre-Clinical?
To support the urgent need to “bridge” the gap between basic scientific research and human clinical trials.
Basic research has been well-funded internationally for decades, as a result of which neuroscience has made remarkable progress in recent years. Research advances have created a heightened level of interest in the field and unprecedented potential to develop effective therapies.
Human clinical trial networks and infrastructure already exist in Asia and Europe as well as in North America. Thus, today’s critical unmet need is to organize and fund collaborative pre-clinical trials to produce a stream of innovative therapies for human neurological injuries.
Why international?
To strengthen a global coalition of neuroscientists working on novel strategies at major universities and research centers throughout the world.
International outreach is critical to our mission because cross-border collaborations are necessary to align the Foundation’s efforts with the best scientific talent throughout the world.
Why Multi-Center?
To enhance potential for translating each innovative research discovery into successful clinical practice through multi-center replications.
Executing animal studies simultaneously in unrelated laboratories allows research results to be double-checked and refined on the rapid time-frame needed for people with spinal cord injuries.
Therapeutic Approaches
Examples of therapeutic approaches currently under investigation by the Sabrina Cohen Foundation include:
- Transplantation of Neural Stem Cells
- Transplantation of Tissue-Specific Glial Cells
- Modification of Inhibitory Glial Scar
- Enhancing Central Axon Regeneration
- Innovative Rehabilitation Strategies
- Promoting Functional Sprouting
| SPINAL CORD INJURY: Paralysis caused by a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae. The damage begins at the moment of injury when displaced bone fragments, disc material, or ligaments bruise or tear into spinal cord tissue. This interrupts the signals up and down the spinal cord between the brain and the rest of the body. |
