Science Clinical trial confirms safety of iPS cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s

[thomas]

Researchers from Kyoto University reported that they had successfully transplanted nerve cells derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease as part of a clinical trial, suggesting new avenues for treating the progressive neurological condition. According to the team, no serious health complications were observed among the seven participants, and four experienced an improvement in their symptoms. Jun Takahashi, who leads the research and directs the university's Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application, noted that it was a major accomplishment to have confirmed symptom improvement and expressed hopes of making the treatment available to patients shortly. Based on the trial's findings, Sumitomo Pharma Co. is expected to seek approval to manufacture and distribute the therapy by the end of fiscal 2025.

In Parkinson's disease, the loss of brain nerve cells that produce dopamine causes limb tremors and difficulty in movement. There are about 250,000 Parkinson's patients in Japan, according to the health ministry. Drugs are used to suppress symptoms by replenishing dopamine in the brain. However, these medications become less effective over time and symptoms progress. Kyoto University started the investigator-initiated clinical trial in 2018. The researchers transformed human iPS cells into progenitor cells that will differentiate into dopamine-producing nerve cells. A total of 5 million to 10 million progenitor cells were transplanted into both sides of each patient's brain.

Clinical trial shows safety of iPS cell therapy for Parkinson’s | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

 

[johnnyG]

Just read this article on Parkinson's this morning:

‘Parkinson’s is a man-made disease’: How a chemical Europe can’t quit may be driving the disease

Europe’s flawed oversight of pesticides may be fueling a silent epidemic, warns Dutch neurologist Bas Bloem. His fight for reform pits him against industry, regulators — and time.

www.politico.eu

The scary part is near the end where minor doses/exposure to several pesticides in combination seemed to catalyze their impact.