A tetraplegic athlete in Brazil has seen positive results from an experimental treatment using polylaminin, a compound derived from a protein produced in the human body.
William Carboni Kerber, a 27-year-old tetraplegic athlete from Paraná, Brazil, has recently undergone surgery to receive an experimental treatment known as polylaminin. This compound, created by biologist Tatiana Coelho de Sampaio, is derived from laminin, a protein crucial for tissue organization and cellular growth during embryonic development. The treatment offers hope for recovery for William, who has been paralyzed from the neck down since suffering severe spinal injuries in a 2025 car accident while playing volleyball.
Currently in the testing phase, polylaminin has shown promise in promoting motor recovery for William, making him one of the few patients who have been approved to receive this innovative therapy. Following surgery in Foz do Iguaçu, William expresses optimism about the potential effects of the treatment. This development is not only critical for William's rehabilitation but may also represent a significant advancement in treatments for spinal injuries.
The case of William Carboni is attracting attention as it highlights the intersection of sports, science, and medicine. With a background as a professional athlete, William's story underscores the challenges faced by individuals recovering from severe injuries and the impact that cutting-edge research can have on their rehabilitation journeys. The ongoing research into polylaminin could pave the way for future therapies that might improve the quality of life for many others in similar situations.
