MD Stem Cells Indicates Government Shutdown Will Not Impact SCOTS Eye Stem Cell Treatment Study

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. - Oct. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- It has been reported that the government shutdown may cause certain clinical trials directly sponsored by NIH to stop enrolling patients.  However for patients considering the SCOTS Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study there will be no immediate effect on the stem cell treatments themselves.

“We want to make certain that patients considering an evaluation for inclusion in SCOTS, as well as those scheduled for treatment, are fully aware that SCOTS will be continuing patient enrollment  and will remain unaffected  by the shutdown” said Dr. Levy, Study Director of SCOTS. “Although we are registered with NIH and listed on their website, we are private and separate.   Our evaluation of patients for inclusion in the eye treatment study as well as future scheduling is not compromised.  We are monitoring NIH for any changes that might ultimately affect our ability to report results.  But required reporting is far enough in the future that we should remain unaffected.  ”

The new Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study abbreviated as SCOTS is a study designed to evaluate the efficacy of adult bone marrow derived stem cells in the treatment of certain eye diseases. Conditions eligible for the new study include retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), myopic macular degeneration, hereditary retinopathies such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Stargardts,  as well as selected inflammatory, vascular and traumatic conditions.  Optic nerve diseases considered eligible include glaucoma, ischemic optic neuropathy, optic atrophy, optic neuritis and some trauma.  The study is focused on the ocular tissue that has sustained damage and its potential for improvement rather than a specific disease entity.

SCOTS is IRB approved, registered with the National Institutes of Health and listed on their website www.clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT01920867. Patients interested in whether they may participate and healthcare providers may reach Dr. Levy at info@mdstemcells.com or 203-423-9494 Eastern Time USA.

“It would be tragic if basic or clinical research within NIH is adversely affected by the shutdown” opined Dr. Levy. “We certainly hope that is not the case.  We look forward to the political situation being resolved quickly so that all efforts to advance medical care may progress. We are fortunate that SCOTS can continue without impediment through these difficulties. ”

MD Stem Cells is a trusted and valued source of the latest information regarding clinically available adult stem cell treatments for patients in a number of diseases. MD Stem Cells coordinates patient referrals and manages the treatment process for patients and providers. MD Stem Cells is now Collaborator and Dr. Levy is Study Director for the new SCOTS Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study.  Please see www.mdstemcells.com  and follow us on Twitter @mdstemcells.com