Will the cure for paralysis come from China?

In the 1990’s, most wouldn’t have considered China as a leader in the search for a cure for spinal cord injuries. At that time, the country simply didn’t have the same caliber of medical resources as countries like the United States.

Today, it’s a different story.

Dr. Wise Young, who is conducting groundbreaking stem cell research in China believes he on the cusp of finding the cure. Young made a promise to Chinese gymnast San Lang, who was injured while warming up, and dedicated his career to finding the cure.

Young met Lang when she began treatment for her spinal cord injury in New York. However, when she had to return to China, she was worried the treatment in her home country would be inadequate and only deter her from making any progress in her recovery.

 So, Young decided to take action and  established the China Spinal Cord Injury Net in 2005, which currently tests umbilical cord blood-cell transplants and lithium treatments. Both treatments are being tested separately to ensure they are safe before combining them. These treatments are intended to regenerate the nerves and promote the growth of nerve fibers. Patients also endure six hours of strenuous walking exercises six days a week.

Although Young explains that it is still too early to say how much movement can be recovered, he says there have only been positive results and patients have not lost any function. He believes China will likely introduce the cure for Spinal Cord Injuries in the years to come.

This story was originally reported on NYDailyNews.com.