MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Researchers at the University of Minnesota are excited about a new study on the use of stem cells to treat muscular dystrophy.

Scientists at the university reprogrammed human skin cells to create a new way of producing stem cells that can be used to regenerate muscles in mice.

Dr. Rita Perlingeiro is optimistic about the potential to effectively treat muscular dystrophy.

“We are very optimistic. Now of course, it’s not going to be tomorrow. It’s not going to be next year,” she said.

But she foresees a time when the therapy will be tested in human clinical trials.

The study, published today in Cell Stem Cell, says this is the first time human stem cells have been shown to be effective in the treatment of muscular dystrophy.