“New research led by the University of Colorado Anschutz is offering hope to people living with stiff person syndrome (SPS), showing that a CAR T-cell therapy may help change the course of the disease….

SPS is a rare, progressive autoimmune neurological disease that causes debilitating muscle stiffness, painful spasms and difficulty walking. An estimated 80% of patients eventually require walking assistance or a wheelchair, and many face a risk of permanent disability…

One year after receiving a single treatment of the experimental therapy, patients with SPS demonstrated significant improvements in mobility, completing a 25-foot walking test in nearly half the time it took before treatment. Also, two-thirds of patients who initially needed walking aids were able to complete a walking test without assistance. Beyond walking improvements, patients also experienced lasting reductions in muscle stiffness, sensitivity to stimuli and overall disability.”

From Medical Xpress.