SB623, Notch1-transfected mesenchymal stem cells for stroke

SB623 are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells that were genetically engineered to express the intracellular domain of Notch 1. These cells are being tested for treating ischemic stroke. When injected into neural tissue, SB623 reverses neural damage. Since SB623 cells are allogeneic, a single donor's cells can be used to treat thousands of patients. In cell culture and animal models, SB623 cells have been shown to restore function to damaged neurons associated with stroke, spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease. There have been no serious adverse events attributable to the cell therapy product and patients benefit on all three stroke scales.