Neuro Spine Research
Research is an integral part of the UC Davis Spine Center. Our team contributes to advances in spine care through pioneering investigations of new treatments and technologies. We are currently enrolling participants in studies and clinical trials focused on:
Spinal cord injury
- Acute intervention with spinal scaffold
- Acute intervention with investigational drug
Degenerative disk disease
- Stem cell therapy
Spine trauma
- Fractures of the odontoid bone
Current Neuro Spine Studies and Research
Lumbar Disc Herniation Study
Lead investigator: Kee D. Kim, M.D.
Project description: The primary goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of a single-dose intervertebral disc injection. The investigational drug will be tested in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The study drug works by reducing the pressure in the disc thereby possibly reducing nerve root compression. Participants will be randomized to receive a single intrasdiscal injection of the study drug, or a sham injection (control).
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03607838
The INSPIRE Study: InVivo Study of Probable Benefit of the Neuro-Spinal ScaffoldTM for Safety and Neurologic Recovery in Subjects With Complete Thoracic AIS A Spinal Cord Injury
Sponsor: InVivo Therapeutics
Lead investigator: Kee D. Kim, M.D.
Project description: Multi-center study investigating an implantable scaffold at the time of spinal stabilization. The scaffold is designed to provide structural support to injured spinal tissue and a supportive matrix for endogenous healing/repair processes following implantation within a spinal cord contusion, thereby preserving spinal tissue and increasing the chances for functional recovery.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02138110
Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of VX-210 in Subjects With Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Sponsor: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Lead investigator: Kee D. Kim, M.D.
Project description: Multi-center study looking at the efficacy and safety of VX-210 in subjects with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord Injury. Secondary objectives include the specific evaluation of the effects of VX-210 on neurological recovery and daily function after spinal cord injury. VX-210 is designed to inhibit a protein known as rho that blocks neural regeneration after injury.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0266984
Safety and Efficacy Study of Rexlemestrocel-L in Subjects With Chronic Discogenic Lumbar Back Pain (Mesoblast, Ltd.)
Sponsor: Mesoblast Ltd.
Lead investigator: Kee D. Kim, M.D.
Project description: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mesoblast's rexlemestrocel-L alone or combined with hyaluronic acid in subjects with chronic discogenic lumbar back pain (> 6 months) associated with moderate degenerative disc disease.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0241273
Odontoid Fracture Study Treated With Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)
Sponsor: Orthofix Inc.
Lead investigator: Kee D. Kim, M.D.
Project description: The purpose of this study is to see if PEMF treatment will improve odontoid fracture healing, compared with standard conservative care, in subjects 50 years of age diagnosed with type II odontoid fractures.
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02281994
For more information on clinical research projects at the UC Davis Spine Center, please call 916-734-3660.