Polylaminin: Brazilian drug promises to regenerate spinal cord injury and restore movement

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – A scientific discovery developed over more than 25 years is on the verge of revolutionizing the treatment of spinal cord injuries. Scientists at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in partnership with Cristália Laboratories, announced polylaminin, an innovative drug that has been shown to partially or fully restore movement in patients with spinal cord injuries—something that, until now, was considered unlikely in many cases.

What is polylaminin, and how does it affect spinal cord injury?

Researchers developed polylaminin from laminin, a protein involved in the development of the nervous system and extracted from the human placenta.

Therefore, it works by promoting the regeneration of mature neurons and inducing the formation of new ones axons, the “wires” that transmit electrical signals from the brain to the body. This nerve regeneration can restore communication disrupted by spinal cord injuries.

Preliminary evidence in humans and animals with spinal cord injuries

In studies with animals: In dogs with old spinal cord injuries, four of the six treated regained significant mobility; in mice, effects were observed as early as the first 24 hours.

In human patients In the experimental phase: approximately 8–10 volunteers with spinal cord injuries caused by accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds received the treatment; some regained full or partial mobility. Examples include men aged 31 and 33, as well as a 27-year-old woman.

Important: Polylaminin is most effective when applied within 24 hours of the injury, although it is also beneficial in cases of older injuries.

Safety, production, and regulation of polylaminin treatment

Cristália begins commercial-scale production of polylaminin at its biotechnology plant in Itapira, using raw materials (donated placentas) collected in accordance with regulations.

The research is being conducted by Tatiana Coelho de Sampaio at UFRJ, with support from FAPERJ and other institutions. A partnership with Cristália was formalized in 2018.

However, the treatment is still pending approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) to proceed to broader regulatory clinical trials.

There is an official registration for the clinical trial in Brazil: a prospective randomized study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of polylaminin in acute spinal cord injuries. Plataforma Brasil / REBEC.

Why polylaminin Could Be a Game-Changer in Regenerative Medicine for Spinal Cord Injuries

The arrival of polylamine It is not just another drug in the testing phase; it could usher in a new paradigm in the care of patients with spinal cord injury. Until now, the medical field has sought alternatives such as stem cells or experimental surgeries, which are often costly and yield uncertain results. Now, initial studies indicate that this protein may simplify treatment and improve the chances of rehabilitation. Among the factors that support this potential are, for example:

1. Motor Function Recovery, the real possibility of restoring lost movements in paraplegia or tetraplegia.
2. Critical response time, early application (within 24 hours) yields better results.
3. Less invasive treatment than cell therapies, a “safer and more accessible” alternative to stem cells, according to researchers.
4. Local development, global benefits, Brazilian research can export knowledge and treatment, with a strong social impact, including for the SUS.

Limitations, challenges, and next steps for polylaminin in the treatment of spinal cord injury

Need more data on human clinical trials with a larger number of patients, to confirm its efficacy and safety.

• Logistics: rapid assessment and a hospital infrastructure capable of providing treatment immediately after the trauma.
• Physical therapy and physical rehabilitation remain essential; polylaminin alone is not enough.
• The assessment of effects on chronic (long-standing) injuries remains uncertain.

Polylaminin signals the dawn of a new era for spinal cord injury

Polylaminin holds real promise for the regeneration of the spinal cord injury, with cases of motor recovery never before documented in Brazilian studies. Therefore, if clinical trials confirm the initial findings, this drug could redefine treatment standards for paraplegia and tetraplegia, restoring hope and independence to those suffering from irreversible loss of movement.