Restoring optic nerve function using stem cells
Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) occurs from the underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which carries neuronal transmission from the retina in the eye to the brain. Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – also known as de Morsier syndrome – is a subtype of ONH and results from underdevelopment of the optic nerve, pituitary gland dysfunction, and absence of the septum pellucidum, which is a midline area of the brain. SOD arises from defects during the embryological development of infants and studies show that ONH maybe be related to gene defects as well as embryo exposure to infections.
In addition to the lack of vision which a characteristic symptom of ONH, SOD also triggers other symptoms such as pituitary deficiency, autistic behaviors, epileptic seizures and more.
Few conventional treatment options are available for patients diagnosed with ONH-SOD, which mostly focus on helping the patients to cope with their disability. However, none of them are actually treating the loss of optic nerve function. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate nerve cells in the optic nerve, allowing ONH-SOD patients to gain some vision.
Why our stem cell treatment is effective for ONH/SOD
Since 2007, we have been developing comprehensive stem cell treatment protocols for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD) to overcome the limitations of conventional therapies. In our protocols, stem cells are combined with specialized therapies for ONH-SOD that not only focus on helping the patient to cope with their symptoms, but also treat the root cause of the condition by promoting the healing of the optic nerve and other affected brain structures. We believe that our comprehensive treatment approach for ONH-SOD gives our patients the best chances for vision improvement, allowing for a better quality of life.
Katelyn was born with Septo-Optic Dysplasia, a condition in which the optic nerves fail to develop properly. When she was 3 years old Katelyn traveled to Thailand with her parents in order to get stem cell treatment for her SOD. After her first treatment she started to see light and recognize colors. This video was recorded during her second stem cell treatment in Thailand as her parents hope for more improvements, more independence and a better quality of life for Katelyn.
Possible improvements after Stem Cell Therapy for ONH/SOD
The purpose of our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoblasia/septo optic dysplasia is to restore neurological function in the brain area and in the optical nerve. Various kinds of improvement are possible after our comprehensive treatment. Past patients have experienced the following improvements*:
- Sharpened visual acuity
- Enhanced light perception
- Enlarged visual field
- Brighter night vision
- Reduced nystagmus
- Improved strabismus
- Improved hormonal deficiencies
- Decreased autistic symptoms
*It is important to remember that as for any medical treatment, improvements cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us for more information regarding the possible improvements for a particular case.
Our Treatment Program in Details
Beike is unlike any other stem cell treatment provider in the world, the reason? Since 2005, we have been developing and optimizing our stem cell treatment protocols with the concept that only a very comprehensive solution can allow our patients to truly benefit from stem cells. We believe that stimulation through various therapies is necessary to enhance stem cell regenerative response, therefore our protocols include daily therapies to support the stem cells. Finally, we provide a wide variety and large quantities of stem cells in order to adapt to each patient specific condition and deliver maximized regenerative potential.
Our stem cell treatment for optic nerve hypoplasia ONH-SOD consist in 6 to 8 simple and minimally invasive injections of umbilical cord derived stem cells. The stem cells are transplanted using two or three different methods: intravenous via a standard IV drip, through intrathecal injection. Patients older than 10 years old may also receive two retrobulbar injections to better target the optic nerves.* Together, these 3 injection methods allow for increased efficacy while ensuring safety and minimum inconvenience for the patient.
*Not all patients can receive a retrobulbar injection. The acting doctor will decide If it is possible.
- 15 to 23 Days Stay
- IV, Intrathecal and Retrobulbar Injections
- UCBSC / UCMSC Cells
- Daily Therapy Program
- 120-400 Million Cells
- Nutrition Program
Patient Experience Stories
Find out more about patients previously treated with Beike stem cell protocols. The families participating in these blog posts talk about their stories and present their own view of the treatment, including thoughts regarding the daily therapies, the stem cell injection themselves as well as improvement noticed during and after treatment.
Stem Cell Quality and Quantity Ensured
Different types of stem cells for different needs
Beike provides stem cells from two separate sources: umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue. Umbilical cord related samples are donated by healthy mothers after normal births and are sent to Beike Biotech’s laboratories for processing.
After reviewing the patient’s full medical information, our doctors will recommend which source of stem cells should be used for treatment. Our treatment protocols may include one or multiple types of stem cells in combination depending on each patient’s specific condition.
Highest International Stem Cell Processing Standards
Beike Biotechnology is processing its own adult stem cells in its internationally accredited laboratories. The company has full control over the processing and quality control of all stem cell products, ensuring perfect safety and highest quality.
Patient Videos
Below are video interviews recorded during treatment with Beike stem cells. The families showcased in these videos talk about their personal stories and their experience of the treatment including the improvement noticed.
The improvements mentioned in these videos are typical, however it does not guarantee that all patients may have the same improvements.
Why Choose Beike for a Stem Cell Treatment?
Experience: With more than a decade of practice, you are ensured to be advised and treated by competent professionals.
Safety: Accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and following highest international standards, our stem cell processing methods and laboratories ensure that you receive the best stem cell quality available.
Diversity: Multiple types of stem cells having different capabilities are available to adapt to each patient’s specific condition. We do not use the same type of stem cells for all patients.
Extensiveness: A complete supportive therapy program is provided daily to stimulate patient’s freshly transplanted stem cells. The best improvement can only be obtain by supporting your stem cells.
Support: A full follow-up program is provided after the treatment and you will be asked to take part in it at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Access to our team after the treatment is very important as you may receive further advice to maximize improvements.
Founded in July 2005, Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology is a national high-tech enterprise specialized in clinical transformation and technical service of biological treatment technology of strategic emerging industries.
Get more information now
Frequently asked questions about ONH/SOD
What is optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and septo-optic dysplasia (SOD)?
Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) occurs from the underdevelopment of the optic nerve, which carries neuronal transmission from the retina in the eye to the brain. It is the leading cause of congenital blindness and occurs in approximately 10 in every 100,000 live births. The condition was first described in 1915.
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – also known as de Morsier syndrome – is a subtype of ONH and results from underdevelopment of the optic nerve, pituitary gland dysfunction, and absence of the septum pellucidum, which is a midline area of the brain. SOD arises from defects during the embryological development of infants.
What causes ONH and SOD?
There are numerous causes of ONH, with most cases arising from genetic abnormalities in patients. Mutations in a variety of genes, including the following, result in hypoplasia of the optic nerve: NR2F1, OTX2, VAX1, ATOH7.
In addition to genetic factors, other causative factors have been suggested, including exposure to various infections during pregnancy and endocrinological abnormalities during development. With respect to SOD, as previously eluded to earlier, the condition arises from abnormalities during embryological development. The exact cause of SOD is poorly understood; although it is likely genetic factors play an important role, with various patients exhibiting mutations in the genes HESX1, OTX2, and PAX6. In addition, exposure to certain medications is thought to play an important role in the development of SOD.
How are ONH and SOD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of ONH requires confirmation with ophthalmoscopic examination of the optic optic disc. In young children, the optimal method for diagnosing ONH is with direct ophthalmoscopy, and patients exhibit a small optic disc. SOD is differentiated by the use of MRI scans showing midline brain abnormalities such as corpus callosum hypoplasia or pituitary abnormalities.