Would it be the End of Paralysis? Israeli Breakthrough Change Lives

In a historic first, Israeli scientists are preparing to implant a lab-grown spinal cord into a paralyzed patient, offering new hope for those once told recovery was impossible.

The technology, developed at Tel Aviv University’s Sagol Center for Regenerative Biotechnology together with biotech company Matricelf, uses a patient’s own cells to engineer a personalized 3D spinal cord implant. The tissue is designed to reconnect severed nerve pathways, restoring the body’s ability to transmit signals from brain to limb.

Animal trials delivered unprecedented results: more than 80% of chronically paralyzed mice regained mobility, while every animal treated soon after injury recovered fully. With Israel’s Health Ministry now granting approval, eight patients are set to undergo the world’s first human trials.

“This is the beginning of a new era where paralysis may no longer be permanent,” said Prof. Tal Dvir, who leads the project.

Founded in 2019, Matricelf has accelerated the path from lab to clinic, with CEO Gil Hakim calling the moment “a shift from research to treatment.”

He added: “If successful, this therapy could set a new global standard for spinal cord repair, turning what was once untreatable into reality.”

The first procedure, expected within a year, will be performed on an Israeli patient, marking both a national milestone and a potential global turning point in regenerative medicine.

“It was clear to us from the start that the world’s first surgery would take place here in Israel,” Prof. Dvir said. “This is a matter of national pride. The technology was born at Tel Aviv University, and we want the first patient to be Israeli.”