Univ.College London Prof. GEOFF RAISMAN DM, D.PHIL, FRS

Spinal Cord Repair

Principal Investigator:
Prof. Geoff Raisman,
University College London

The UK Stem Cell Foundation has supported the work of Professor Raisman and his team at UCL for several years. Recognised as a world leader in his field, Prof. Raisman has pioneered the use of olfactory ensheathing cells to repair damage to the spinal cord. These stem cells are taken from the patient's own upper nasal passages and are used to help regrow nerve fibres in the damaged spinal cord.  An initial study by the team has shown that this procedure is feasible and safe in spinal injured patients. More recently, the team has been searching for the best source of olfactory ensheathing cells in human tissue as millions of stem cells are needed to bridge a gap in the spinal cord. They also are developing prototype nanofibre biomaterials, which will provide the bridge on which transplanted OECs can grow to repair human spinal injuries. The next stage to this project is to raise sufficient funds for a clinical trial.

Prof Geoffrey Raisman

Queen Square London

London

WC1N 3BG

g.raisman@ucl.ac.uk

Tel: 020 7676 2172

Fax: 020 7676 2174

http://www.ion.ucl.ac.uk/research/hbir/spinal_repair_unit.htm

• Profile
• Publications
• Research Activities
• Achievements

Appointment

• Chair of Neural Regeneration
• Brain Repair & Rehabilitation
• Institute of Neurology
• Faculty of Brain Sciences

Research Groups

• UCL Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine

Research Summary

Repair of spinal cord and spinal root injuries and protection against glaucoma by transplantation of cultured adult olfactory ensheathing cells.

Academic Background

1974	DM	Doctor of Medicine	University of Oxford
1965	MB BCh	Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery	University of Oxford
1964	DPhil	Doctor of Philosophy	University of Oxford
1964	MA	Master of Arts	University of Oxford
1960	BA Hons	Bachelor of Arts (Honours)	University of Oxford