Brazilian scientists have developed an experimental therapy called polylamin, which is derived from human placenta proteins and has the potential to regenerate a damaged spinal cord[1][2]. In a 2024 pilot clinical trial, eight patients with complete spinal cord injury received an injection of polylamin directly into the spinal cord within days of injury[1][2]. Six of eight patients reportedly regained some degree of voluntary motor control below the level of injury, an unprecedented result[1][2]. Three patients died during the study, reportedly from causes unrelated to treatment[1]. However, Brazilian researchers are concerned about methodological flaws in the pilot study and that it is too small to demonstrate polylamin's effectiveness[1]. The regulatory body Anvisa approved a phase 1 safety clinical trial with five participants and selected polylamin as one of four priority topics for study[1]. Until larger randomized clinical trials and long-term follow-up are performed, polylamin remains an experimental therapy and not a drug[2].