A local team is well underway with clinical tests to treat patients with spinal paralysis using adult stem cells extracted from blood taken from umbilical cords.

A team led by Professor Jeon Shin-soo at Catholic University's College of Medicine injected mesenchymal stem cells into the paralyzed arms and legs of a 40-something patient in early April.

After two months of treatment, the team has cited the patient's improved condition, such as increased strength measured in the waist.

Together with stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo-seok, Jeon is also conducting pre-clinical tests on animals with spinal diseases to examine the growth capabilities of embryonic stem cells.

Jeon's team will soon conduct tests on five more paralytics, and also has plans to inject mesenchymal stem cells into 20 to 30 brain stroke patients.