First publication: In Israel they are looking for the first paralyzed person to undergo a spinal cord transplant

Israeli biotech company MatriceLF and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center will begin identifying the first paralyzed patient for an engineered spinal cord transplant. The technology, developed at Tel Aviv University, is based on a neural implant made from the patient's own cells and tissues. The surgery is expected in the first half of 2027.

The Israeli biotech company MatriceLF and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center will begin in the coming days the search for the first paralyzed patient to undergo an engineered spinal cord transplant, hoping the treatment will enable them to walk again. The surgery is expected to take place in the first half of 2027, if the process proceeds as planned. The procedure will involve implanting a biological neural implant, created from cells and tissues taken from the patient's body and customized to the damaged area of the spinal cord. Using the patient's cells is intended to reduce the risk of implant rejection. The technology was developed at the Sagol Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at Tel Aviv University, led by Prof. Tal Dvir, who also serves as the chief scientist of MatriceLF. Dvir stated that after years of development and animal trials, they are approaching the first clinical trial in humans, but scientific and regulatory milestones remain. Loewenstein will be responsible for clinical aspects, including identifying and evaluating candidates. Dr. Diane Michaeli, deputy director of the Spinal Rehabilitation Department, noted that the department is among the leading in Israel and hopes that new treatment options will be offered in the future.