Stem Cell Study in Japan Planned for Newborns with Encephalopathy

August 29, 2014

(The Japan Times) – A Japanese team plans to launch a clinical study in which stem cells contained in umbilical cord blood will be administered to newborns with encephalopathy to prevent severe complications like brain paralysis from occurring. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry recently approved the study, to be led by Osaka City University Prof. Haruo Shintaku, it was learned Wednesday. The study, which may start as early as November, will cover newborns with encephalopathy caused by a lack of oxygen during labor.