Clinical trials to treat Parkinson's disease

Japanese scientists announced Monday that clinical trials on Parkinson's disease treatment would begin in August, transplanting "reprogrammed" stem cells into the brain, seeking to advance the treatment of neurodegenerative syndrome . Parkinson's disease is caused by the lack of dopamine produced by brain cells, and researchers have always wanted to use stem cells to restore the normal production of the chemical neurotransmitter.

Clinical trials take place after researchers from Kyoto University Japan will successfully use human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to restore functional brain cells in monkeys. ;last year.

iPS cells are obtained by removing mature cells from an individual, often from skin or skin. the blood, and reprogram them for that they behave like embryonic stem cells.

This will be the first clinical trial in the world to use iPS cells in Parkinson's disease, "said Jun Takahashi, a professor at Kyoto University's Center for Research and Application of iPS Cells. , at a press conference

led by Shinya Yamanaka, who in 2012 shared a Nobel Prize in Medicine with British scientist John Gurdon, for the discovery that adult cells can be turned into embryonic cells.

"We intend to continue our research diligently, although quickly, in coordination with the Kyoto University Hospital, so that new patients receive treatment with iPS cells as soon as possible, "said Yamanaka in a statement

.The clinical use of iPS cells instead of human embryonic cells means that treatment would be acceptable in Ireland and much of from Latin America, where embryonic cells are prohibited.