Northwestern University scientists led by CRN director Samuel Stupp have developed the most advanced organoid model for human spinal cord injury to date. In a new study, the research team used lab-grown human spinal cord organoids — miniature organs derived from stem cells — to model different types of spinal cord injuries and test a promising new regenerative therapy.
“Dancing molecules,” the promising new treatment for acute spinal cord injuries developed by CRN director Samuel Stupp, has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA’s Orphan Drug program is designed to encourage and support the development of treatments for rare diseases or conditions. The designation’s benefits include financial incentives such as tax credits for clinical trials, exemption from user fees and up to seven years of market exclusivity after approval.
A research team led by CRN director Samuel Stupp has developed a new approach that directly combats the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In these devastating illnesses, proteins misfold and clump together around brain cells, which ultimately leads to cell death. The innovative new treatment effectively traps the proteins before they can aggregate into the toxic structures capable of penetrating neurons.
CRN faculty member Jonathan Rivnay was elected into the 2025 class of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Fellows, the AIMBE announced. He was cited “for making pioneering contributions in the field of conducting polymers, bioelectronics, and medical devices.”
The AIMBE College of Fellows comprises the top 2 percent of medical and biological engineers, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering and medicine research, practice, or education.
