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TOKYO (REUTERS) – Japanese scientists said on Monday (July 30) they will start a new treatment for Parkinson 's disease, transplanting "reprogrammed" stem cells into brains, seeking a breakthrough in treating the neurodegenerative disorder. 19659002] Parkinson's is caused by a lack of dopamine made by brain cells and researchers have long hoped for stem cells to restore normal production of the neurotransmitter chemical.
The clinical trials at after researchers at Japan's Kyoto University successfully used human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to restore functioning brain cells in monkeys last year
So-called iPS cells are made by removing mature cells from an individual – often from the skin or blood – and reprogramming them to behave like embryonic stem cells. They can then be coaxed into dopamine-producing brain cells.
"Jun Takahashi, professor at Kyoto University's iPS Cell Research and Application, told a news
The center is headed by Shinya Yamanaka, who in 2012 was awarded a Nobel Prize for medicine by a British scientist, John Gurdon, for the discovery that adult cells can be transformed into embryo-like cells
" We intend to carry on conducting our research carefully, yet expeditiously, in coordination with Kyoto University Hospital, so that it will be possible to bring patients as soon as possible, "Yamanaka said in a statement.
The fact that the clinical trial uses iPS cells rather than human embryonic cells which would be acceptable in countries such as Ireland and much of Latin America, where embryonic cells are banned.
Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma March 2023.
The company said, however, the target audience is not limited to Kyoto. University.
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