Adult stem cells showing success in MS treatments

Studies in Australia and England are showing success after researchers used adult stem cells to treat patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. 

In Bristol, England researchers will treat 80 patients after receiving a $1 million dollar grant.  A previous trial showed the treatment increased nerve function by up to 20%.

One of the patients who had the treatment last May is David Franks.

Mr Franks had to retire from his job as a children's surgeon early because of his MS.

He said: "I am not any worse. I may be a bit better.

"But I am certainly not going down hill as fast as I was before the treatment".

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In Australia, 9 patients have been treated with their own stem cells.

WA's Multiple Sclerosis Society says in the case of 38 year-old Kate Gild, the injection of stem cells seems to have halted any further deterioration.

Ms Gild was diagnosed with MS six years ago and says the trial was the moment she has been waiting for.

"It was a dream come true. It was something that I'd been waiting for, for what seemed like a lifetime," she said.

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