Spinal Cord Injuries: Repaired with Anti-Cancer Drug in Animals

A medicine experimental cancer has succeeded the nerve repair towards spinal injury. The experiment took place on animals that were treated and cured in four weeks. They restored sensory and motor functions.

The new drug discovered under the name AZD1390 is the result of a study by the British University of Birmingham. A path to new therapies that may be available in a short time. The drug is already being tested on animals and is being studied by AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical company. The goal is to block the system that supports genetic repair in cancer cellsmaking them more sensitive to radiation.

This is the same DNA damage response mechanism that is activated even after spinal cord injury. Study authors Zubair Ahmed and Richard Tuxworth advanced the thesis that continued activation of the mechanism blocks recovery from injury. Such a blockage is said to stimulate nerve repair and restoration of function.

Experiments have also been carried out with nerve cells made in the laboratory. The compound of the new drug appears to be effective at blocking the inflammatory response and stimulating growth. Then the experiment took place on animals. Treatment of the drug by mouth seems to significantly destroy inflammation, allowing for the regeneration of damaged nerves. It then restores their ability to carry electrical signals through the injury site.

This is an exciting time in spinal cord injury research with several experimental drugs identified as potential therapies for spinal cord injury. We are particularly excited about AZD1390, which can be taken orally and reaches the site of injury in sufficient amounts to promote nerve regeneration and restore lost function. Our results show a remarkable recovery of sensory and motor functions and animals treated with AZD1390 are indistinguishable from uninjured animals within 4 weeks of injury.

Professor Zubair Ahmed