27 Feb 2026

Trial for treating spina bifida in the womb shows remarkable results

From Checkpoint, 5:13 pm on 27 February 2026

Early trials of a breakthrough stem cell therapy to treat babies with spina bifida while still in the womb is showing remarkable results. The trial results published today in The Lancet medical journal show babies who were treated with cells from the mother's placenta were born with no signs of infection, abnormal tissue growth or tumour formation. Associate Professor Lana McClements from the University of Technology in Sydney is one of those who has been watching closely, and she spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.