• Stempeutics researchers are in the process of developing ‘dopaminergic precursor cells’ to treat the disease
India, Republic of (Press Release) May 16, 2008 --
In a pilot study done at Bangalore in collaboration with Stempeutics Research, Parkinson’s disease patients underwent therapy with mesenchymal stem cells derived from their own bone marrow and implanted into a specific part of the brain through a small needle (stereotaxy). One patient who has completed two years of follow-up showed significant improvements like reduction in tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia and has been gradually weaned off medications. Other patients are in the early stages of follow-up and 65-70% of them are showing signs of improvement. Researchers from Stempeutics, are working to develop “progenitor” cells like dopaminergic differentiated mesenchymal stem cells for Parkinsons disease which could turn out to be the effective therapy for this disease. Stempeutics is working with Manipal Hospital for pilot study
Currently, all the available therapies offer only “symptomatic” relief and do not address the root cause of the disease. Syndopa, the primary drug used in the treatment of Parkinson`s disease, initially offers good benefit, however its troublesome side effects(dyskinesias) become unbearable after sometime. These problems have led to search for newer therapeutic approaches to replace the dead dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Stem cells have shown huge promise in this area, especially mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be derived from a very less amount of bone marrow and can be cultured outside to large numbers without losing their ‘stemness’. They are pluripotent cells that can proliferate, self-renew, and differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. They can be stored and repeated doses can be given in future, if needed.
The early symptoms of Parkinson's disease are often very slight and may include a constant blank look on the face, shaky hands, decreased arm swing, a stooped posture, or shorter steps when walking. The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are Tremors (rhythmic movements or shaking, especially in the hands), rigid limbs and trunk, slowness
of movement, poor balance and coordination. As time goes on, Parkinson's disease sometimes leads to other symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, problems with chewing and swallowing, and speech changes. Some people may have problems with urination or constipation.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, medication can provide relief from many of the symptoms. Most medications used to treat Parkinson's disease mimic the effect of dopamine, increase dopamine levels, or extend the action of dopamine in the brain. These drugs include dopamine precursors like levodopa, dopamine agonists like bromocriptine, anticholinergics like Diphenhydramine and other drugs like amantidine and selegiline. The major limitations of presently available medications are fluctuations in mobility related to drug dosage and intervals, wearing off (loss of efficacy at the end of dosing interval and dyskinesias (excessive involuntary movements). Surgical management like Pallidotomy, Thalamotomy and Deep Brain Stimulation are also being offered but partial or limited response to surgical interventions limits their wide spread use.
For more details please visit www.stempeutics.com or pl email to info@stempeutics.com
Currently, all the available therapies offer only “symptomatic” relief and do not address the root cause of the disease. Syndopa, the primary drug used in the treatment of Parkinson`s disease, initially offers good benefit, however its troublesome side effects(dyskinesias) become unbearable after sometime. These problems have led to search for newer therapeutic approaches to replace the dead dopaminergic neurons in the brain. Stem cells have shown huge promise in this area, especially mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be derived from a very less amount of bone marrow and can be cultured outside to large numbers without losing their ‘stemness’. They are pluripotent cells that can proliferate, self-renew, and differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. They can be stored and repeated doses can be given in future, if needed.
The early symptoms of Parkinson's disease are often very slight and may include a constant blank look on the face, shaky hands, decreased arm swing, a stooped posture, or shorter steps when walking. The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are Tremors (rhythmic movements or shaking, especially in the hands), rigid limbs and trunk, slowness
of movement, poor balance and coordination. As time goes on, Parkinson's disease sometimes leads to other symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, problems with chewing and swallowing, and speech changes. Some people may have problems with urination or constipation.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, medication can provide relief from many of the symptoms. Most medications used to treat Parkinson's disease mimic the effect of dopamine, increase dopamine levels, or extend the action of dopamine in the brain. These drugs include dopamine precursors like levodopa, dopamine agonists like bromocriptine, anticholinergics like Diphenhydramine and other drugs like amantidine and selegiline. The major limitations of presently available medications are fluctuations in mobility related to drug dosage and intervals, wearing off (loss of efficacy at the end of dosing interval and dyskinesias (excessive involuntary movements). Surgical management like Pallidotomy, Thalamotomy and Deep Brain Stimulation are also being offered but partial or limited response to surgical interventions limits their wide spread use.
For more details please visit www.stempeutics.com or pl email to info@stempeutics.com
Email
Print
SPAM
