Israeli Biotech and Loewenstein Rehab Seek Paralyzed Patient for Groundbreaking Spinal Cord Implant Surgery

Israeli biotech company Matriself and the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Medical Center are preparing to identify the first paralyzed patient to undergo a pioneering spinal cord implant surgery. The procedure, expected to take place in the first half of 2027 if all goes as planned, involves implanting a biologically engineered spinal cord segment tailored from the patient’s own cells and tissues. This personalized neural implant aims to replace damaged spinal tissue, potentially enabling the patient to regain the ability to walk.

The technology was developed at Tel Aviv University's Segol Center for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, led by Professor Tal Dvir, who also serves as Matriself’s chief scientist. Using the patient’s own cells reduces the risk of implant rejection and improves integration with the body. Professor Dvir emphasized that after extensive laboratory and animal model research, the team is now approaching the first human clinical trial and is beginning to screen suitable candidates.

Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center will manage the clinical aspects, including patient selection, assessment, and ongoing care. Dr. Diane Michaeli, deputy head of Loewenstein’s Ornstein Spinal Rehabilitation Department, highlighted the center’s extensive experience with complex spinal injuries and its role in evaluating candidates for the trial. She noted that the collaboration merges clinical rehabilitation expertise with cutting-edge regenerative medicine technology, aiming to offer new treatment options for people living with paralysis due to spinal cord injuries.

While scientific and regulatory milestones remain before treatment can commence, the project marks a significant step toward developing therapies that could transform the lives of spinal injury patients in Israel and beyond.