Introduction

Advances in understanding the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) over the past 2 decades have given rise to several therapeutic strategies that are presently being examined in Phase II/I clinical trials. Furthermore, President Obama's March 2009 decision to overturn restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research represents a new era in the field of spinal cord injuries.

Scope of this research

• Analysis of the patient potential of spinal cord injury across the seven major markets and rest of world.
• Review of key unmet clinical needs in the treatment of spinal cord injury and current pipeline treatments.
• Identification of key opportunities and threats facing developers of treatments for spinal cord injury.
• Insight from four internationally recognized key opinion leaders in the field of spinal cord injuries.

Research and analysis highlights

Therapeutic interventions for SCI need not necessarily provide a complete restoration of anatomic connections in order to lead to functional improvements and enhance patients' quality of life. Controversy continues to surround the use of methylprednisolone as an acute treatment for SCI, indicating a need for approved neuroprotective treatments.

Alseres Pharmaceuticals's Cethrin (a recombinant fusion protein) has demonstrated a measurable effect on neurological recovery after SCI in a Phase I/IIa clinical trial. However, with its Phase II clinical program currently on hold, future development of Cethrin is uncertain.

President Obama's March 2009 decision to lift restrictions on US federal funding for research involving human embryonic stem cells has provided developers with a greater deal of freedom with regards to research into SCI.

Key reasons to purchase this research

• Quantify the incidence of spinal cord injury and identify key clinical unmet needs.
• Assess the opportunities and threats facing developers in the spinal cord injury market.
• Utilize pipeline product profiles to identify potential in-licensing opportunities.