Research

When Dr. Young moved to Rutgers he changed his research focus from acute to chronic injury studies. We developed new techniques to do long term treatments, care, and functional recovery in animals after contusion injuries. We have studied a number of therapies for spinal cord contusion, some examples include: L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule. This cell adhesion molecule stimulates axons to grow. Called L1, the molecule is expressed by growing axons so that the axons grow in bundles and ‘egg’ each...

Working in partnership with corporations and organizations such as StemCyte, Inc. and ChinaSCINet, several clinical trials have been completed or are underway. Three clinical trial networks have been organized with a focus on chronic spinal cord injuries. ChinaSCINet: 25 of the top spinal cord centers in Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan. SCINetUSA: Several centers are working on surgical and rehabilitation protocols for trials in the United States. Fifteen U.S. neurosurgeons and heads of physical...

Based on the success of previous and present trials, we have designed and are in the process of implementing Phase IIb and Phase III trials in China, Taiwan, India, Norway/Sweden, and the United States. Each clinical trial requires submission of an extensive application for review by and approval from the appropriate governmental agency (e.g. in the United States, the FDA). Applications have been submitted or are being prepared for each of the participating countries. Following application and...

We believe that collaboration is a key component for advancing research and clinical trials and are committed to building networks and relationships with researchers and clinicians, institutions, corporations, legislators, and community organizations. Researchers and clinicians: We work with researchers and clinicians around the world, including holding quarterly workshops on spinal cord injury research methods. This allows us to bring together a depth of scientific knowledge and skill. These...