Researchers Announce Phase I Clinical Trials in Patients of Revolutionary Treatment
Scientists from the University of Cambridge suggestuse stem cells, from which all cells with specialized functions are generated, which can be grown in laboratory cultures and transformed into dopamine cells. Since the technology of stem cell specialization in the laboratory has been developed, such treatment should be affordable, the researchers note.
The authors of the technology note that previousstudies have shown that injecting dopamine cells into the brain will work and the procedure is safe. At the same time, the production of such cells in the laboratory removes the issue of the availability of material for transplantation. Previously, it was proposed to use aborted fetal material as a source of dopamine cells, but this approach has caused a lot of controversy and ethical questions.
Trials are due to begin in the next few months and continue throughout 2023, according toThe cells ready for transplantation have already been grown and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be transported to Sweden.It is there that clinical trials will be conducted.
The researchers believe the trials will last forfor several years - only after that it will be possible to draw a final conclusion that the technology works and does not cause side effects. However, the researchers expect the use of this treatment to become widely available within the next five years.
Dynamics and forecast of the spread of Parkinson's disease in the world. Image: E. Ray Dorsey et al., J Parkinsons Dis.
Parkinson's disease is a degenerativea disease of the nervous system that affects the brain. It causes the destruction of neurons that produce dopamine. Due to the lack of a neurotransmitter, multiple disorders in the functioning of the nervous system are observed, including motor and cognitive functions, sleep problems and the concomitant development of dementia.
According to the WHO, in terms of the growth rate of disability andmortality is the most common neurological disorder. In 2019, the number of people with Parkinson's disease worldwide was estimated at 8.5 million. However, over the past 25 years, this number has doubled.
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