Category Archives: Stem Cell Treatments

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (CBS4) A 16-year-old giraffe named Mahali will go through a risky procedure as animal care specialists work to treat some ongoing health issues. Animal care specialists say Mahali has arthritis and fractures in his feet, which hes recently indicated have become painful.

Zoo officials say theyve treated similar conditions before with special shoes and stem cell injections but Mahali has recently regressed in his training and isnt allowing them to attempt those treatments.

Weve exhausted all of our usual treatment options. This means we are now gearing up for an anesthetization to immobilize and treat Mahali, officials stated Wednesday.

The VP of Mission and Programs, Dr. Liza, and Giraffe Animal Care Manager, Jason, explained that giraffe anesthesia is risky but say it is in Mahalis best interest in this case.

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Giraffe Will Go Through Risky Procedure At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo To Treat Ongoing Health Issues - CBS Denver

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January 13, 2020

We expect that a satellite cell with the corrected DMD gene would quite quickly and continuously propagate the edited gene throughout the muscle tissue, said Prof. Amy Wagers, who leads the research. (Photo credit: Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer.)

Cambridge, Mass. January 13, 2020 Harvard University stem cell researchers led by Amy Wagers, PhD, are embarking on a major study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Supported by research funding from Sarepta Therapeutics, under a multi-year collaboration agreement coordinated by Harvards Office of Technology Development (OTD), the project aims to use in-vivo genome editing, in mouse models of DMD, to fully and precisely restore the function of the dystrophin protein, which is crucial for proper muscular growth and development. Approaches validated by this work may point the way to an eventual therapeutic strategy to reverse DMD in humans.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease caused by the lack of a protein called dystrophin that normally helps to support the structural integrity of muscle fibers, including those in the heart. Without the dystrophin protein, cells are weaker and degenerate more quickly. Over time, affected individuals boys, typically, as it is a recessive X-linked disorder lose their capacity to move independently.

Its really a devastating disease; it robs young boys of their capacity to be young boys, said Wagers, who is the Forst Family Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Co-Chair of the Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology, and an Executive Committee Member of Harvard Stem Cell Institute. Though it is early days, Im hopeful that through this work we may identify and validate new avenues for therapy to completely rescue the proper expression and function of the dystrophin protein and regenerate healthy muscle tissue.

Researchers worldwide have pursued a variety of promising approaches such as cell and gene therapies, small-molecule therapies, and others to lessen or prevent the disease and improve patients quality of life.

The strategy pursued by the Wagers Lab at Harvard aims to fully correct the genetic template for dystrophin at its source, in the DNA of stem cells (satellite cells) that create and regenerate muscle cells. Combining cutting-edge CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies with a deep knowledge of stem cell science and regenerative biology, this approach if successful might offer a permanent restoration of muscular function.

In skeletal muscle, muscle fibers are terminally post-mitotic, meaning they cannot divide and they cannot reproduce themselves, Wagers explains. If you lose muscle fibers, the only way to produce new muscle is from stem cells, specifically the satellite cells. The satellite cells are self-renewing, self-repairing, and ready to spring into action to create new muscle fibers. So we expect that a satellite cell with the corrected DMD gene would quite quickly and continuously propagate the edited gene throughout the muscle tissue.

At present, research conducted in mice has shown promising results. In June, the Wagers Lab published the results of editing stem cells in vivo, demonstrating that stem cell genes can be edited in living systems, not only in a dish. In that work, Wagers and her team delivered genome editing molecules to the cells using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Her lab has also successfully used gene editing in heart, muscle, and satellite cells to partially restore the function of the DMD gene that encodes dystrophin, by chopping out faulty sequences of code that are disrupting the proper reading frame.

The new stem-cell approach pursued in collaboration with Sarepta would build on these achievements and use more precise genome editing approaches, in animal models of DMD, to entirely replace genetic mutations in the DMD gene with correctly encoded sequences. The project will also explore alternate delivery methods and strategies to mitigate immune effects of in vivo genome editing.

This ambitious project will benefit greatly from the resources and insights of a company with deep clinical experience in the development of therapeutics for muscular dystrophy, said Vivian Berlin, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Harvard OTD. Preclinical discoveries by Harvard researchers may open entirely new possibilities for lifesaving treatments in the long run, offering much-needed hope to patients and families in the future. Were grateful to be able to sustain the important momentum already established in Prof. Wagers lab, through this collaboration.

As we work to bring forward new treatments for patients with DMD, Sarepta is excited to support Prof. Wagers and her lab to accelerate the development of a gene editing approach, which has shown significant potential in early studies, said Louise Rodino-Klapac, Sareptas Senior Vice President of Gene Therapy. This multi-year collaboration is part of Sareptas broader commitment to pursuing all therapeutic modalities and advancing our scientific understanding of gene editing in order to maximize the potential of this approach to help patients.

Under the terms of the agreement between Harvard and Sarepta, the company will have the exclusive option to license any arising intellectual property for the purpose of developing products to prevent and treat human disease. As with any research agreement facilitated by OTD, the right of academic and other not-for-profit researchers to use the technology in further scholarly work is preserved.

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Muscular dystrophy collaboration aims to correct muscle stem cells' DNA - Harvard Office of Technology Development

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

Report Includes: - An overview of recent advances in stem cell therapies and coverage of potential stem cells used for regenerative advanced therapies

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05835679/?utm_source=PRN

- Discussion on role of genomic and epigenomics manipulations in generating safe and effective treatment options - Identification of autologous and allogeneic cells and their usage in creating advanced therapy medical products (ATMPs) - Information on 3D cell culture and discussion on advances in gene editing and gene programming techniques such as CRIPSR/Cas9, TALEN, and ZINC fingers - Insights into commercial and regulatory landscape, and evaluation of challenges and opportunities for developing autologous and allogenic "off the shelf" solutions

Summary Stem cells are unique in their ability to divide and develop into different cell types that form tissues and organs in the body during development and growth.The stem cell's role is to repair impaired or depleted cells, tissues and organs in the body that are damaged by disease, injury, or normal wear and tear.

Stem cells are found in every organ, but are most abundant in bone marrow, where they help to restore the blood and immune system.

Stem cells may be derived from various sources, including - - Adult stem cells (ASCs): Derived from tissue after birth, these include bone marrow, brain, peripheral blood, skeletal muscle, skin, teeth, heat, gut, liver, ovarian epithelium and testis, as well as umbilical cord stem cells and blood. These cells are currently most widely used for cellbased therapies. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are derived from bone marrow, can give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, whereas mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are derived from the stroma and give rise to non-blood forming cells and tissues. - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs): Derived from embryos, these include stems cell lines, aborted embryos or from miscarriages, unused in vitro fertilized embryos and cloned embryos. There are currently no clinically approved treatments for embryonic stem cells. - Inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs): These are stem cells generated in the laboratory by reprogramming adult cells that have already differentiated into specific cells, such as liver cells. They are used either for research purposes (e.g., experimental medicine testing toxicity of new drugs) or are under research for potential future clinical use.

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Highs and Lows of Stem Cell Therapies: Off- The-Shelf Solutions - P&T Community

MONT-SAINT-GUIBERT, Belgium & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Promethera Biosciences SA, a global innovator in cell-based medicines and liver diseases, today announced the initiation of a Phase 2b clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HepaStem, the companys liver-derived stem cell therapy candidate, in patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF). The trial is open for recruitment and aims to include 363 patients with ACLF at 110 study sites across 22 countries in Europe. Topline results are expected to be released at a medical conference at the end of 2023.

The DHELIVER study (or HEP102) is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicenter trial designed to assess the efficacy of HepaStem treatment on the overall survival proportion 90 days post-first infusion. Among the secondary trial objectives are additional efficacy assessments such as transplantation-free survival as well as continued evaluation of the treatments safety. Patients with Grade 1 or 2 ACLF will be eligible to screen for participation in the trial. The study will target enrolment of approximately 363 patients across two treatment arms: patients receiving two weekly intravenous infusions of HepaStem and patients receiving placebo.

We are developing HepaStem as a treatment for ACLF at a fast pace and we are determined to bring it to patients in need as soon as we can. As a potentially pivotal trial, the results obtained here may provide us with sufficient clinical data to file a new drug application, said Etienne Sokal, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Group Chief Medical Officer of Promethera. Providing a treatment for a severe disease such as ACLF will not only help this patient population, but also greatly inform us in our efforts to develop treatments for other liver diseases, such as NASH.

ACLF is a severe, life threatening disease, with no current available treatments. The only option for patients is organ transplant, which is a major procedure and often not accessible. HepaStem has the potential to be the first real alternative to liver transplants in such a disease, and help ACLF patients in need, said John Tchelingerian, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Promethera Group. We are proud and excited to begin working towards the next milestone in the clinical development of HepaStem with the Phase 2b trial commencing and are looking forward to achieve the targets we set and bring HepaStem one step closer to an approved therapy.

In the previously concluded HEP101 trial, HepaStem has proven safe and tolerable in single or repeated injections in a total of 24 patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) or Acute Decompensation (AD) at high risk of developing ACLF. With one or two repeated doses up to 1.2 million cells per kilogram of body weight, no adverse events related to HepaStem occurred in the three-months follow-up period and no clinically significant changes were shown in platelet count, fibrinogen levels, and coagulation factors following HepaStem infusion. In addition to the positive safety profile, the study had shown preliminary signs of efficacy with improvement in three indicators of liver disease severity; Model for End Stage Liver Disease score (MELD), Child-Pugh score and bilirubin levels, 28 days and three months after treatment initiation.

About HepaStem

HepaStem consists of liver derived stem cells that are obtained from ethically donated healthy human organs and expanded in GMP culture conditions. Updated clinical data from the ongoing phase 2a study (HEP101) in patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) or Acute Decompensation (AD) at high risk of developing ACLF have been presented in an oral presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) on November 10, 2019, in Boston, by Prometheras principal investigator Prof. F. Nevens, KULeuven, Belgium. The data set confirmed earlier findings presented at The International Liver Congress - ILC 2019 in April. A first clinical trial in NASH was initiated H1 2019.

About Promethera Biosciences SA (Promethera Group)

Promethera Biosciences is a global innovator in liver therapeutics whose mission is to bring life-saving treatments to reduce the need for liver transplantation. Our lead clinical program, derived from our patented cell technology platform HepaStem, is designed to benefit from its immune-modulatory and anti-fibrotic properties. In addition to our cell-based pipeline we develop antibody technologies, such as the antiTNF-R1 antibody Atrosimab, to complement and diversify our therapeutic options. We are a team of international experts operating out of facilities in Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium, Durham, NC, USA, Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland.

Promethera, HepaStem, H2stem, are all registered trademarks of the PROMETHERA group.

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Promethera Announces Initiation of Phase 2b DHELIVER Study of HepaStem in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) - Business Wire

Maximize Market Research published a Stem Cell Therapy Market report by keeping key players, end user, investors and all key stakeholders into consideration.

Stem Cell Therapy Market is expected to reach 202.77 billion by 2026 from XX billion in 2018 at CAGR of XX %.

The report will give in-depth analysis of market dynamics with competitive landscape, which will help user to understand their position in the market and ultimately will help to plan the strategies and implement the same as well.

The report includes PESTLE, Porters Five Forces, qualitative, and quantitative analysis that will help players to understand the market dynamics with current market size by region from supply side as well as from demand side. The regional analysis section unveils hidden market opportunities available in different regions and countries and in different segments.

Get PDF template of Stem Cell Therapy market report @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/522

Primary and secondary data collection methods are used to collect the data from reliable sources across the globe that include key players, end users, suppliers, members of associations across the countries and end user industries.Advanced research techniques and tools are used to prepare the report that make this report accurate and up-to-date with latest industry trends.

The global Stem Cell Therapy market is segmented by Treatment,Application,End Users and Geography. Each segment of the global Stem Cell Therapy market is thoroughly examined as per crucial factors such as market share, revenue, production, and CAGR. The report provides the statistical analysis where in market leaders followers and new entrants revenue, production, CAGR, M&A activities are presented in simple and format. Other aspects of the global Stem Cell Therapy market, including value chain, manufacturing cost, prices, gross margin, drivers, restraints, opportunities, Threats, and trends are also deeply analyzed.

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A Are: Gamida Cell ReNeuron Group, plc Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. Stem Cells, Inc. Vericel Corporation. Mesoblast, Ltd.

DO INQUIRY BEFORE PURCHASING REPORT HERE @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/inquiry-before-buying/522

Scope of the Global Stem Cell Therapy Market

Stem Cell Therapy Market, By Treatments:

Allogeneic Stem Cell TherapyAutologous Stem Cell Therapy

Stem Cell Therapy Market, By End Users:

HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical Centers

Stem Cell Therapy Market, By Application:

OncologyCentral Nervous System DiseasesEye DiseasesMusculoskeletal DiseasesWound & InjuriesMetabolic DisordersCardiovascular DisordersImmune System DisordersStem Cell Therapy Market, By Geography:

North AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East & AfricaLatin America

Market Forecasting

Besides short-term and long-term estimations related to the global Stem Cell Therapy market, repots has covered the demand, consumption, growth, and future course of market by region in the industry.

Customized Research

The report can be customized as per specific requirements of the clients.

Browse Full Report with Facts and Figures of Stem Cell Therapy Market Report @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/stem-cell-therapy-market/522/

Table of Contents

Global Stem Cell Therapy Market

1. Preface1.1. Report Scope and Market Segmentation1.2. Research Highlights1.3. Research Objectives

2. Assumptions and Research Methodology2.1. Report Assumptions2.2. Abbreviations2.3. Research Methodology2.3.1. Secondary Research2.3.1.1. Secondary data2.3.1.2. Secondary Sources2.3.2. Primary Research2.3.2.1. Data from Primary Sources2.3.2.2. Breakdown of Primary Sources

Table of Contents Continuous..

Study Coverage: This is the first section of the report that includes highlights of market segmentation, years covered, study objectives, major manufactures of the global Stem Cell Therapy market, and product scope.

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Maximize Market Research provides syndicate as well as custom made business and market research on 6,000 high growth emerging technologies & opportunities in Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics & Communications, Internet of Things, Food and Beverages, Aerospace and Defense and other manufacturing sectors.

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Stem Cell Therapy Market by Treatment,Application,End Users and Geography Forecast To 2026 - ReportsPioneer

CARY, N.C. and BASEL, Switzerland and WAYNE, Pa., Jan. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Altavant Sciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on patient-centric drug development in rare respiratory diseases, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Onspira Therapeutics, a private drug development company similarly focused on therapeutics for rare pulmonary diseases. This acquisition expands Altavant's pipeline to include OSP-101, a novel inhaled interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) with orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OSP-101 is in preclinical development for the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), the leading non-infectious complication following lung transplantation and a major cause of death in these patients.

"Adding OSP-101 to our pipeline creates significant value for Altavant, while also furthering our mission to develop drugs for patients with very serious and rare lung diseases," said William T. Symonds, Pharm.D., Chief Executive Officer of Altavant. "Although a majority of lung transplant recipients develop this life-threatening condition, there are no treatments approved specifically for BOS and the current therapies have limited efficacy."

Joshua Diamond, MD, MSCE, Associate Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at the University of Pennsylvania, commented, "Despite advances in the management of patients following a lung transplant, BOS continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. We have a significant need for new therapies that will halt this progressive loss of lung function and improve the survival and quality of life for lung transplant patients."

"I am proud of the achievements of the entire Onspira Therapeutics team as we have progressed the OSP-101 program," said Brian Lortie, Chief Executive Officer of Onspira Therapeutics. He added, "We have been impressed by the talented and experienced professionals at Altavant, and we are confident that they are the right team to develop OSP-101 for the treatment of post-lung transplant BOS. This is an important program to bring forward for the benefit of lung transplant patients, and we believe Altavant is well-positioned to achieve this goal."

Under the terms of the agreement, Onspira's shareholders received an upfront payment and will receive additional payments upon the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Onspira's shareholders will be eligible for royalties on net sales. This is the first acquisition conducted by a subsidiary of the the newly-formed Sumitovant Biopharma. The acquisition has closed and will have a minor effect on Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's consolidated financial results for FY2019.

Hogan Lovells US LLP served as Altavant's legal counsel. Aquilo Partners, L.P. acted as the financial advisor to Onspira on the transaction and Duane Morris LLP served as Onspira's legal counsel.

About Bronchiolitis Obliterans SyndromeBronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a severe and progressive inflammatory condition resulting in airflow obstruction and loss of function in the lung. It is a form of chronic rejection that often follows lung transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and can also be caused by autoimmune diseases and by exposure to certain chemicals. BOS is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pulmonary transplant population. According to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, an estimated 80 percent of patients who receive a lung transplant develop the condition within 10 years of their transplant. There are currently no approved drugs for the treatment of BOS.

About OSP-101OSP-101 is a novel, inhaled formulation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in preclinical development for the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in post-lung transplant patients. OSP-101 has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans.

About Altavant SciencesAltavant Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on elevating patient-centric drug development in rare respiratory diseases with an initial focus on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Altavant's lead candidate for PAH, rodatristat ethyl, is a prodrug for rodatristat, a tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibitor that has achieved reductions in peripheral production of serotonin in healthy subjects, and may lower circulating serotonin levels in diseases where excessive production of the hormone has been implicated in their pathogenesis - including PAH, certain types of cancer, GI disorders, fibrosis and inflammation. Rodatristat ethyl is currently being evaluated in the ELEVATE1 Phase 2 study for patients with PAH. Altavant became a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitovant Biopharma Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. in December 2019 through a strategic alliance between Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and Roivant Sciences Ltd. (Headquarters: Basel, London, UK). For more information, please visit http://www.altavant.com.

About Onspira TherapeuticsOnspira Therapeutics was founded in 2017 with a focus on the development of life-changing medicines to bring hope to patients suffering from rare pulmonary diseases. OSP-101 is a novel compound being developed for the treatment of post-lung transplant bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. More information regarding Onspira can be found at http://www.onspiratx.com.

About Sumitovant Biopharma Ltd.Sumitovant is a global biopharmaceutical company with offices in New York City and London. Sumitovant is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma and the parent company of five biopharma subsidiaries: Myovant, Urovant, Enzyvant, Altavant and Spirovant. Sumitovant's pipeline is comprised of early- through late-stage investigational medicines across a range of disease areas targeting high unmet need. For further information about Sumitovant please visit https://www.sumitovant.com.

About Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is among the top-ten listed pharmaceutical companies in Japan, operating globally in major pharmaceutical markets, including Japan, the U.S., China and the European Union. Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is based on the merger in 2005 between Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. Today, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma has more than 6,000 employees worldwide. Additional information about Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is available through its corporate website at https://www.ds-pharma.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" concerning the development and commercialization of Altavant's products, the company's business development efforts and its expectations regarding its prospects. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release. Actual results may vary. Altavant undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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Altavant Sciences Acquires Onspira Therapeutics, Adding a Potentially Life-Saving Treatment for Post-Lung Transplant Patients to the Altavant Pipeline...

Parkinsons News Today keeps you up-to-date with research into Parkinsons disease as it emerges. We brought you daily coverage of experiments into the basic biology of Parkinsons, results of clinical and pre-clinical trials, and key findings from Parkinsons research around the globe.

We look forward to bringing more such news to those with Parkinsons, their family, friends and caregivers throughout 2020.

Here are our 10 most-read stories of 2019, with a short summary of what makes each one relevant to the Parkinsons community.

No. 10 Active Form of Vitamin B12 Found to Prevent Neurodegeneration in Study of Animal Models

A study found that an active form of the vitamin B12 called AdoCbl can ease the effects of dopamine loss that occurs in Parkinsons disease. Using cell lines and several animal models, researchers showed that by reducing LRRK2 enzyme activity, AdoCbl limits the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells, thereby preventing the appearance of symptoms associated with neurodegeneration. Overactivity of LRRK2 is linked to the development of a hereditary form of Parkinsons. AdoCbl is already an FDA-approved compound, and could be used as a basis to develop new therapies to combat hereditary Parkinsons associated with pathogenic variants of the LRRK2 enzyme, according to Iban Ubarretxena, director of theBiofisika Institute and a study co-author.

No. 9 Onstryv Now Approved for Parkinsons Patients in Canada

Canadian Parkinsons disease patients now have access to Onstryv (safinamide), also known as Xadago. Onstryv increases the amount of active dopamine in the brain by both preventing the enzyme that breaks dopamine down from doing so, and by blocking that enzyme from entering cells. Other available treatments cause debilitating fluctuations between normal motor function (called on episodes) and poorer motor function (off periods) as their effects ebb and flow. Four placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials showed that the combination of Onstryv and levodopa led to more on and fewer off periods, and improved motor function in patients. The approval of [Onstryv] in Canada is a step forward for patients who need new treatment options for Parkinsons disease, said Roberto Tascione, CEO of Zambon, one of the companies involved in commercializing this medication.

Xadago was approvedby theU.S. Food and Drug Administration in March 2017 to improvemotor functionin Parkinsons patients who experience off periods while on treatment withlevodopaand/or Lodosyn (carbidopa).

No. 8 Plant Antioxidant Seen to Aid Mitochondria and Ease Motor Problems in Early Parkinsons Study

A pre-clinical study conducted in China showed that alpha-arbutin, an antioxidant found in plants such as the blueberry, might restore mitochondrial function in nerve cells and ease the motor disabilities associated with Parkinsons disease. Treatment with alpha-arbutin partially restored mitochondrial function in nerve cells undergoing oxidative stress (mitochondria act as a cells power house). It also restored these cells ability to remove toxic waste products. Feeding alpha-arbutin to flies carrying a mutated gene known to trigger Parkinsons significantly eased several Parkinsons-like symptoms. Naturally derived-antioxidants might serve as a new class of therapeutic options for [Parkinsons disease], the researchers wrote.

No. 7 Stem Cell Transplants Could Significantly Improve Parkinsons Treatment, Study Suggests

Replacing damaged cells in Parkinsons disease with dopamine-producing stem cells could easemotor symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical medicines. As current disease therapies lose their efficacy over time, stem cell therapy might revolutionize Parkinsons treatment, its researchers said.A single surgery could potentially provide a transplant that would last throughout a patients lifespan, reducing or altogether avoiding the need for dopamine-based medications, said Claire Henchcliffe MD, PhD, and Malin Parmar, PhD, co-authors of a study on the benefits of stem cell therapy. However, there are several biological, practical, and commercial hurdles that need circumventing for this to become a routine therapy, according to the editors of theJournal ofParkinsons Disease.

No. 6 Bacteria in Gut Can Promote Parkinsons by Altering Brains Immune Reactions, Study Says

A study found evidence of interaction between the brain and the gut in Parkinsons, in which Gram-negative bacterial infections in the gut trigger an immune response that damages nerve cells. Gut microorganisms are known to communicate with the central nervous system, andstudies suggest that harmful proteins related to Parkinsons may spread to the brain from the gut.Scientists at theUniversit de Montral showed that Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those related to gut infections, triggered an immune response in cells taken from mice. They then showed that mice bred without thePINK1 gene (making them resistant to Parkinsons-like symptoms), when infected with these bacteria, displayed an immune response that led to such symptoms. Mutations in the PINK1 gene cause damage to the mitochondria in brain cells, and are linked to early onsethereditary Parkinsons. The work provides evidence that intestinal infection acts as a triggering event in Parkinsons, andhighlighted the relevance of a gut-brain connection in this disease.

No. 5 Next 20 Years Expected to Bring Message of Hope to Parkinsons Patients, Review Study Finds

By reviewing the past 20 years of research into Parkinsons disease, two scientists see a strong potential for breakthroughs in how this disease is approached over the next 20 years. The review cited developments in better animal models, greater understanding of molecular mechanisms and risk factors, and advances in available and potential therapies as reasons for hope. Among highlights of many advances listed are: 1) the adaptation of existing medicines used in other diseases to treat Parkinsons (drug repurposing); 2) targeting non-motor features such as cognition, speech and balance difficulties that often precede motor symptoms; 3) the use of nanoparticles to block the formation of toxic alpha-synuclein clusters; and, 4) emerging evidence of a link between harmful gut bacteria and brain inflammation. The review also stressed the importance of future trials to test combination therapies.

No. 4 Physical Activity, Coffee, Moderate Alcohol Consumption Protect Against Disease Progression, Study Reports

Good news for lovers of sports, caffeine, and happy hours all of these things, in moderation, may help slow the onset of symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Although how exactly these lifestyle factors affect disease progression remains poorly understood, they correlate strongly with better patient outcomes. Conversely, smoking, heavy drinking and no consumption of alcohol at all were linked to considerably worse outcomes. The study, published in the journalMovement Disorders, needs to be replicated to strengthen the usefulness of its findings. Nonetheless, the work suggests that multiple lifestyle factors potentially modify the rate of symptom progression, its researchers wrote.

No. 3 Dietary Supplement Eases Parkinsons Symptoms, Improves Dopamine Function, Study Shows

The antioxidant dietary supplement N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) may improve dopamine function and ease Parkinsons disease symptoms, according to one study. The body uses NAC to produce an antioxidant called glutathione (GSH), which it uses to prevent the oxidative stress that leads to cell death. Damage due to oxidative stress within dopamine-producing neurons is a key clinical feature of Parkinsons. A trial (NCT02445651), conducted by researchers atThomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, showed that NAC supplementation significantly eased both motor andnon-motor symptoms among 42 Parkinsons patients (21 men and 21 women). These results need to be confirmed in larger and placebo-controlled studies, but offer an encouraging start to a potential low-cost therapy.

No. 2 Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Added Falls, More Sleep Problems, Depression, Study Shows

Low levels of vitamin D were associated with more falls, and greater problems withinsomnia, anxiety, anddepressionin people withParkinsons disease, according to a study by Chinese researchers. Vitamin D deficiency has often been seen in people with Parkinsons, but its relationship to the disease remains controversial. This study, by researchers at theSecond Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversityandSoochow University, is one of the few to measure both motor and non-motor outcomes. By conducting detailed clinical evaluations in 182 Parkinsons patients, as well as 185 healthy controls, the group found that low levels of vitamin D were more common in Parkinsons patients than in healthy people, and that vitamin D supplements may ease the diseases nonmotor symptoms.

No. 1 Oral Magnesium Compound Able to Reach Brain Seen to Slow Motor Decline, Neuronal Loss in Early Study

Our years most-read story was of an early stage studyreporting that a type of oral magnesium could enter the brain and ease motor symptoms and nerve cell loss in a mouse model of Parkinsons disease. Mice given magnesium-L-threonate, which can cross the blood-brain barrier (a semipermeable membrane that protects the brain from the outside environment) reduced the loss of dopamine-producing neurons, slowed the decline in motor function, and limited the oxidative stress that is associated with Parkinsons. It is important to note that while magnesium-L-threonate provided therapeutic benefits, magnesium sulfate the first choice as a clinical magnesium supplement did not. [T]he combination of [magnesium] with an agent that promotes its transportation to the brain is essential for the neuroprotection of this element, the studys scientists wrote.

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AtParkinsons News Today we hope these stories and our reporting throughout 2020 help to better inform and improve the lives of everyone affected by Parkinsons.

We wish all our readers a happy 2020.

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Ana holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Lisbon and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) in Lisbon, Portugal. She graduated with a BSc in Genetics from the University of Newcastle and received a Masters in Biomolecular Archaeology from the University of Manchester, England. After leaving the lab to pursue a career in Science Communication, she served as the Director of Science Communication at iMM.

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Top 10 Parkinson's Stories of 2019 - Parkinson's News Today

Last year,Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R)successfully contributed to passing important bills that strengthened the sunshine state and its residents.

This year, hes hitting the ground running by announcing that he has co-authored a bipartisan bill that has been signed into law.

With the new bill, Rep. Bilirakis has ensured that patients in need of bone marrow and stem cell transplants have access to lifesaving treatments.

Specifically, as reported in a press release,the Patient Access to Cellular Transplant Actallows older Americans with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and Myelodysplastic Syndromes to have better treatment options than they currently have had.

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In a statement regarding the importance of the bill, Bilirakis commented that medicare policy simply hadnt kept pace with technological advances; and tragically, this disparity threatened the lives of older Americans with blood cancers often stripping them of hope for a cure.

Furthermore, the Florida Rep. added that whereas physicians once had very few options to treat patients, today, blood transplants offer a cure.

So, these treatments can be the difference between life and death, and he expressed great joy at being able to pass a new law that fixes the problem and ensures access.

This actually marks the 8th piece of legislation that Rep. Bilirakis authored to become law in 2019.

Although Republicans are currently in the minority in the House, Rep. Bilirakis asserts that this does not discourage him. Speaking on the matter, he explained that he considers himself a consensus builder, regardless of which party was in power or what distractions may exist.

As well, when it comes to doing the right thing for patients and for our nations heroes, he declared that he would continue to reach across the aisle and get things done for my constituents and my community.

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Bilirakis Secures Better Treatment for Blood Cancer Patients - The - The Floridian

I call it peak bleak: its right about now when all of us beyond our thirties are really thinking that our skin looks particularly knackered. Its central heating, its illness, its being overtired, over worked and over partied and it makes for a combination of low-level dryness and dullness that no illuminating make-up seems to ameliorate (highlighter on a dehydrated cheekbone is never flattering). Hydrating sheet masks, richer moisturisers and glycolic peels make some strides to improve exhausted skin, but the thing Ive found to make the single biggest difference is microneedling.

Im not referring to deep derma rolling treatments here (brilliant as they are for long term rejuvenation, they do entail some down-time) but rather facials - and at-home facial treatments - that incorporate a level of gentle needling. What gives these facials the edge on less than young skin is twofold: firstly, as leading facialist Sarah Chapman explains, microneedling is electronic precision engineering, creating thousands of needle columns into the skin, each one penetrating into the dermis layer to rejuvenate your skin by supercharging collagen production, which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and improves the overall texture of your skin. Which goes to say that it gets right to the root cause of a bleak complexion and directly revs it up.

Secondly, needling is astoundingly effective at aiding absorption of serums applied both during and after treatment (thanks to those tiny channels that Chapman described) and, quite frankly, the more hydrating serum you can get your skin to suck up, the better in terms of improving its plumpness and luminosity in both the short and long term.

Treatment wise, the best facial that incorporates needling is Chapmans Stem Cell Collagen Therapy treatment, 210. Chapman calls it the ultimate youth-boosting facial, a punchy claim that I must say its hard to dispute. The needling itself feels like nothing more than an electric toothbrush being whisked over the skin as it pushes in concentrated doses of botanical stem cells and peptides, while the finishing Dermalux red-light therapy adds to the impressive post-treatment glow. Whether you're looking for a facial that really delivers pre- or post-party, or simply want a fix to rid you of lacklustre skin, this is the facial to book.

At home, I like to needle every other day with a gentle manual 0.2-0.3mm roller: freshly rolled skin sucks in serum incredibly satisfyingly, and the increased microcirculation it induces adds to the don't you look well effect. Environs CIT Roller, 59, and Nannette de Gaspes Art of Noir Roller Noir, 35, both manage to be effective yet gentle. Do not be tempted to buy a cheap roller on Amazon or eBay; the needles are often hooked, which can rip the skin leading to redness and inflammation.

Roller Noir

35.00

Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster

64.00

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

40.00

Peptide Veil

115.00

Rolling can be done on bare skin, but I find it more effective and comfortable to apply a thick layer of hydrating serum first, slathering on three times the amount Id usually apply of either Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster, 64, or Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydrating Serum, 44. Start at the forehead and roll over each area three or four times horizontally, three or four times vertically, then diagonally in each direction, before moving onto the cheeks and finally chin and neck. Finish with a thick veil of cream (Im loving Decree Peptide Emollient Veil, 115) and youll wake up to skin that is anything but bleak.

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Why microneedling facials really work to revive 40+ skin - harpersbazaar.com

XconomySan Diego

Nearly nine years ago Jeanne Loring and her colleagues at Scripps Research debuted a test that leveraged advances in genomics and data science to determine, without testing in animals, whether human stem cells were pluripotent, or able to become any type of cell in the body.

Being able to prove that has become increasingly important as scientists look to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)mature, specialized cells that have been reprogrammed as immature cells, regaining the capability of becoming any type of cellas material for new regenerative medicines.

Now Loring and Andres Bratt-Leal, who joined her lab in 2012 as a post-doctoral researcher, have founded a biotech that combines stem cell biology and genomics know-how to advance a potential cell therapy for Parkinsons disease.

The startup announced Thursday it raised a seed round of $6.5 million to support its work. Aspens lead drug candidate, which is in preclinical testing, is intended to replace neurons in the brains of people with the disease, which causes those cells to become damaged or die.

When people with Parkinsons disease lose neurons, they also lose a chemical messenger the cells produce, called dopamine. Without dopamine, communication between nerve cells falters, which leads to the debilitating motor problems that characterize the disease. Existing Parkinsons drugs aim to alter dopamine levels. Aspen, however, wants to fix the upstream problem that leads to those lowered levels by reconstructing patients damaged neural networks.

The cell therapy would involve harvesting patients own living cells through a skin biopsy, reprogramming them to immature cells, or iPSCs, then further engineering them to become predisposed to mature into neurons. Once enough of those cells have been grown in the lab, those neuron precursor cells would be delivered directly to the brain.

Using a patients own cells avoids the dangerous immune system reactions that can occur when donor cells are used in such therapies, and obviates the need for immunosuppression drugs. Two cell therapies that use genetic engineering have been approved by the FDA, both of which take and tweak patients T cells into treatments for cancer. Stem cell transplants have been used to treat some cancers.

Aspen worked to ensure the company could ably manufacture a so-called autologous replacement cell therapy, or one from a patients one cells, by improving the process of differentiating iPSCs into dopamine neurons, Loring says. And the group developed another predictive genomic-based test, similar to the effort Loring spearheaded nearly a decade ago to determine whether cells were pluripotent, that can detect which iPSCs are destined to become neurons.

(Bratt-Leal) put his biological engineering expertise into coming up with a way that was reproducible, that we would get the same cells no matter who we got the original cells from, she says.

The company plans to test the therapy in patients that they determine, through genomic testing, have the most common form of Parkinsons, which is referred to as sporadic and arises without a clear genetic predisposition. It also has a second treatment in the works that it intends to develop for patients with familial forms of the disease, and uses a gene editing toolyet to be selectedto alter their stem cells during the reprogramming process.

Howard Federoff, who was most recently vice chancellor for health affairs and CEO of the UC Irvine Health system, is Aspens CEO. Federoff says he has come to believe that Parkinsons patients need more than just to stabilize their disease They need to turn the clock back.

Many companies are working on drugs to treat Parkinsons, but most are meant to manage symptoms rather than reverse the disease. Levodopa, which supplants missing dopamine, is used widely, but it can cause side effects, including involuntary movement called dyskinesia; and, as the disease progresses, the drug eventually stops working between doses.

Aspen claims it is the only company working toward an autologous neuron replacement. The company, however, will need to raise a Series A round to move its drug candidates through Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials, Loring says.

The company raised its seed round from a group of investors including Domain Associates, Alexandria Venture Investments, Arch Venture Partners, Axon Ventures, OrbiMed, and Section 32. Initially, it was financed through grants from Summit for Stem Cell, a San Diego-based nonprofit.

Sarah de Crescenzo is an Xconomy editor based in San Diego. You can reach her at sdecrescenzo@xconomy.com.

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Aspen Neuro Bags $6.5M to Test Parkinson's Disease Stem Cell Therapy - Xconomy