28/04/2026
Polylaminin (also known as polilaminina or polyLM) is an experimental biopharmaceutical developed in Brazil for treating acute spinal cord injuries (SCI). It aims to promote nerve fiber (axon) regeneration and restore some motor function in cases of paralysis, where traditional treatments have limited success.
Lead researcher: Dr. Tatiana Coelho de Sampaio (or Tatiana Sampaio), a biologist and professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). She heads the Extracellular Matrix Biology Laboratory and has worked on this for over 25 years (research began around the late 1990s).
In rats with compression or complete transection injuries, polylaminin improved motor function (e.g., better BBB locomotion scores), promoted axon regrowth across the lesion, and showed anti-inflammatory effects. Non-polymerized laminin or controls did not perform as well.
Phase 1 clinical trial: Authorized by Brazil’s regulator Anvisa on January 5, 2026. This small safety study involves about 5 patients (ages 18–72) with acute, complete thoracic SCI (T2–T10 level), treated within 72 hours. It focuses on safety/adverse effects, not efficacy. The trial is sponsored by Cristália.
If Phase 1 succeeds, Phase 2/3 trials would assess efficacy in larger groups. Chronic injuries are not currently eligible for the main protocol.
