A lot of work is still needed to determine whether these treatments will be safe and effective in humans. The first challenge lies in getting the correct type of cells to the required places to affected muscles and in sufficient numbers to improve function.

Another major challenge is with the process known as ‘engraftment’. This is the process of the new, implanted cells taking up residency in the correct area of the body, and beginning to function as part of the body’s systems. In DMD, the damaged muscles cannot be ‘removed and replaced’ and so the new cells have little room to ‘engraft’ with the existing muscle cells.

There are a number of sites that list the clinical trials, including the clinicaltrials.gov registry. Please note that the scientific justification for the intervention and the credentials of those offering the service may have NOT been fully evaluated by this registry. Your findings may include listings that are NOT legitimate clinical trials. Please consult with your medical specialist or general practitioner as they are best placed to advise you on whether you would be a good candidate for a trial given your circumstances. 

Please note: Although some clinics may claim to already offer stem cell treatments for various forms of muscular dystrophy, there are serious questions about the scientific rationale and the safety of many of these approaches. Currently, there are no proven, safe and effective stem cell treatments for this condition available in Australia, the EU, US or elsewhere.