Neuralstem in its ongoing trial has dosed 13th patient with neural stem cells in the cervical (upper back) region of the spine to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig 's disease).

The study has enrolled 18 patients where first 12 patients have been transplanted in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine and remaining will be treated in the cervical region of the spine.

The objective of this ongoing trial is to study the safety of its spinal cord neural stem cells in cervical region of ALSpatients.

Neuralstem unpaid consultant and ALS Clinic research director Eva Feldman said the goal of transplanting cells into cervical region is to preserve or even enhance breathing capacity for the patients.

"This treatment is essential to improve the quality of ALS patient lives and potentially lengthen them," Feldman said.

Neuralstem chairman and CSO Karl Johe said they are thrilled to have advanced to this crucial stage in their ALS trial, where they can deliver their cells to the cervical region, where they could possibly support life-sustaining functions.