Green light for study on stem cell therapy for newborns with brain damage

Researchers from UMC Utrecht have received the green light for a new study on stem cell therapy for newborns with brain damage. Thanks to a total grant of 5 million euros from Zorginstituut Nederland, ZonMw, the Brain Foundation Netherlands (Hersenstichting), and the Vrienden UMC Utrecht & Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, the effectiveness of this promising therapy can now be tested. The study, called iSTOP-CP, is also supported by Maastricht UMC+, with whom UMC Utrecht has a long-standing collaboration on this research.

Babies who suffer a stroke or experience oxygen deprivation during birth can sustain severe brain damage. This damage can lead to permanent neurological problems, such as cerebral palsy (CP), which negatively impacts the child’s motor skills and development. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment available for babies with brain damage, often leaving them dependent on care and support for life.