Stem cells for Parkinson's getting ready for clinic
By Bradley J. Fikes2:01 P.M.DEC. 8, 2013
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/08/Parkinsons-loring-takahashi-stem-cells/
A groundbreaking attempt to heal eight Parkinson's patients with their own cells could move from research to the clinic next year.
For eight Parkinson's patients seeking treatment with a new form of stem cell therapy, 2014 promises to be a milestone. If all goes well, next year the FDA will give approval to begin clinical trials. And if the patients can raise enough money, the scientists and doctors working with them will have the money to proceed.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute led by Jeanne Loring have taken skin cells from all patients and grown them into artificial embryonic stem cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells. They then converted the cells into dopamine-making neurons, the kind destroyed in Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's stem cell project explained
If animal studies now under way and other requirements are met, doctors at Scripps Health will perform a clinical trial. They will grow neurons until they are just short of maturity, then transplant them into the brains of the respective patients. The cells are expected to complete maturation in the brain, forming appropriate connections with their new neighbors, and begin making dopamine.
continues.... http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/08/Parkinsons-loring-takahashi-stem-cells/
By Bradley J. Fikes2:01 P.M.DEC. 8, 2013
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/08/Parkinsons-loring-takahashi-stem-cells/
A groundbreaking attempt to heal eight Parkinson's patients with their own cells could move from research to the clinic next year.
For eight Parkinson's patients seeking treatment with a new form of stem cell therapy, 2014 promises to be a milestone. If all goes well, next year the FDA will give approval to begin clinical trials. And if the patients can raise enough money, the scientists and doctors working with them will have the money to proceed.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute led by Jeanne Loring have taken skin cells from all patients and grown them into artificial embryonic stem cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells. They then converted the cells into dopamine-making neurons, the kind destroyed in Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's stem cell project explained
If animal studies now under way and other requirements are met, doctors at Scripps Health will perform a clinical trial. They will grow neurons until they are just short of maturity, then transplant them into the brains of the respective patients. The cells are expected to complete maturation in the brain, forming appropriate connections with their new neighbors, and begin making dopamine.
continues.... http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/08/Parkinsons-loring-takahashi-stem-cells/