Pig cells will be transplanted into the brains of New Zealanders with Parkinson’s disease as part of an experimental treatment of the neurological disorder. <\/p>\n
Kiwi scientists will undertake the clinical trial after Living Cell Technologies, which has its research and development based in this country, got the go-ahead to test the treatment in humans next year. <\/p>\n
Government approval was given this week for the trial. <\/p>\n
“Receiving regulatory approval to conduct clinical trials is a critical step in developing a treatment for this debilitating condition,” said the company’s chief executive Andrea Grant said in a statement. <\/p>\n
She says pre-clinical trials suggest the treatment, known as NTCELL, can protect brain tissue which would otherwise die, potentially delaying or preventing the effects of Parkinson’s. <\/p>\n
Only those who have been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease for at least four years will be part of the study, which will last for up to 60 weeks. <\/p>\n
The trial will involve patients getting either the pig cells or the current gold standard of treatment – deep brain stimulation. <\/p>\n
The leader of Auckland District Health Board’s movement disorder clinic, Barry Snow, will oversee the trial. <\/p>\n
“This represents an exciting new potential option for patients,” Dr Snow said. <\/p>\n
Pre-clinical studies had shown improvement in movement and neurological defects and a rise in dopamine-producing neurons within two weeks of treatment. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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