Japanese researchers transplant stem cells into brain to treat Parkinson's

[Webdog]

Researchers transplant stem cells into brain to treat Parkinson's
https://japantoday.com/category/nat...ts-stem-cells-into-brain-to-treat-parkinson's

Japanese researchers said Friday they have transplanted stem cells into the brain of a patient in the first stage of an innovative trial to cure Parkinson's disease.

The research team at Kyoto University injected induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells -- which have the potential to develop into any cell in the body -- into the brain of a male patient in his 50s, the university said in a press release.

The man was stable after the operation, which was performed last month, and he will now be monitored for two years, the university added.

The human trial comes after an earlier trial involving monkeys. Researchers announced last year that primates with Parkinson's symptoms regained significant mobility after iPS cells were inserted into their brains.

 

[Alvin]

Very interesting but is this just an advanced form of symptom control or have they figured out how to keep the disease from killing the new brain cells?

In the Nilotinib trials they found dramatic improvement in patients, the theory being it stops the disease mechanism and the brain starts to repair itself but when the drug was stopped within a few months the patient ends up right back where they started

This could also become a combination therapy, ABL1 inhibitor to prevent brain cells dying and replacement by this procedure making a full cure.

 

[Webdog]

Reprogrammed Stem Cells Implanted into Patient with Parkinson’s Disease
A man in his 50s is the first of seven patients to receive the experimental therapy

https://www.scientificamerican.com/...planted-into-patient-with-parkinsons-disease/

Scientists at Kyoto University use the technique to transform iPS cells into precursors to the neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. A shortage of neurons producing dopamine in people with Parkinson’s disease can lead to tremors and difficulty walking.

Takahashi says that if this trial goes well, they might have enough evidence for the treatment to be sold to patients as early as 2023, under Japan's fast-track approval system for regenerative medicines. “Of course it depends on how good the results are,” he says.