A revolutionary drug made from a placenta protein is entering human clinical trials. And it has the potential to restore movement to paralyzed people and regenerate spinal cord connections.
Developed by researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in collaboration with the Cristália laboratory, Polylaminin represents a major step forward in regenerative medicine. This experimental drug, synthesized from placental proteins, is designed to be injected directly into the area of spinal cord injury through a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on stabilizing the injury, Polylaminin actively stimulates the growth of new axons and promotes the reconstruction of vital neural pathways, creating a “biological bridge” where connections were previously severed.
In early 2026, Brazil’s health regulatory agency, Anvisa, officially authorized the first phase of human clinical trials to assess the drug’s safety in patients with complete spinal cord injuries. Early reports have been quite optimistic, suggesting that some people with paraplegia and tetraplegia have regained motor function and sensation during preliminary observations. However, the medical community remains cautiously optimistic, as further rigorous testing and larger clinical studies are needed before this revolutionary therapy can be approved for widespread clinical use.
