The Center for Paralysis Research was founded to both develop and test new methods of treatment for spinal cord, brain injuries, and certain diseases of the nervous system. The Center utilizes its close affiliation with the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine to move basic laboratory methods into clinically meaningful veterinary testing with naturally occurring cases of dog spinal cord injuries and paralyzing diseases. These clinical trials have proven to speed development of therapies to the next step, human clinical trials.

We have already moved two CPR discoveries through initial human clinical testing (4-AP, or Frampridine, and the Oscillating Field Stimulator.) A third discovery (polymer injection in acute spinal cord and brain injury) should begin initial testing in 2009/2010 by Medtronics Corporation. Later this fall, we will submit a “New Drug Application” or NDA to the U.S. FDA to begin human testing in chronic spinal cord injury and some paralyzing diseases like MS. This will be our fourth discovery of a new treatment for damage or disease to the nervous system – having come from the “test tube” to the patient’s “bedside.”    

The Center was established in 1987 with a grant from the Spinal Cord Society, and throughout the years, the Center and its faculty have been supported by Federal Grants and Contracts, Corporate Support, Private Charitable Foundations, and generous donations from individuals.

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