Bridging the gap: From discovery to clinical trials in spinal cord injury

Recently, the Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation initiated a think tank intended to bridge several gaps and achieve several goals in regard to spinal cord injury (SCI) research and funding. Affiliated with the need to bridge a pathophysiological gap in spinal parenchyma and/or reorganize rem aining circuitry after injury is a need to bridge resource gaps for timely funding for translational research, gaps in knowledge between researchers, and between researchers/clinicians and SCI patients. The epistemology of cu re was examined and redefined to include transitional recoveries and advanc es. Modes and mechanisms of funding have been evaluated and where deficits were perceived, suggestions have been made to expedite and increase the num ber and breadth of funding opportunities. Innovative infrastructure changes are submitted. We discuss the progression of clinical trials as well as of fer suggestions to facilitate benchtop-to-bedsite translation of valuable r esearch to the customer. Highlights of recently completed, in progress, and future trials are detailed. Finally, we submit five essential processes re quired to promote advances to the SCI patient population: discovery, develo pment, clinical trials, evaluation, and rehabilitation. These ideas are int ended to facilitate entry of serious dialogue and to ultimately improve the lives of patients living with SCI.