Max
07-30-2001, 10:52 AM
Data on effect of Neotorfin on brain stem cells reported
July 28, 2001
A Correspondent, California
NeoTherapeutics Inc presented data on its lead compound, Neotrofin, at the
``4th International Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's
Disease and Related Disorders'' meeting in Princeton, N.J. Data from
experiments demonstrating a statistically significant increase of 32 per
cent in brain stem cells in the hippocampus of mice, an area of the brain
associated with memory was reported. In experiments conducted at
NeoTherapeutics, the company has demonstrated that brain stem cells can
mature into neurons and astrocytes. Studies are underway to assess the
effect of Neotrofin on this differentiation process.
Neotrofin is a purine derivative that induces, in the nervous system, the
production of certain proteins, called neurotrophic growth factors that are
involved with survival and differentiation of neurons. Neotrofin is
currently in pivotal clinical studies as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease
and in Phase 2 testing for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.
``Stem cell research is the cutting edge of new attempts to replace aging or
diseased nerve cells,'' said CEO Dr. Alvin Glasky. ``Neotrofin appears to be
a regenerative drug in the truest sense of the word in that it may enhance
the brain's limited ability to repair itself by stimulating the production
of new cells in the brain. Our greatest hope is that these new stem cells
might one day prove to slow down or reverse a variety of neurodegenerative
brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,''
added Dr. Glasky.
Brain stem cells are immature cells that retain the potential to multiply
and develop into new nerve cells. This process is called neurogenesis. Once
cells mature to become neurons they can no longer divide, and upon loss due
to disease or injury, they must be replaced for the brain to retain
function. The dogma had been that neurogenesis only occurs in young animals
and humans and, that once an organism reaches adulthood, this process no
longer occurs. This gave rise to the assumption that once nerve cells were
lost there was no way to repopulate an injured or diseased brain. Loss of
neurons is the basis for many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and for the deficits seen as a
result of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke.
__________________________________________________ __
Maksim (Max) Bily
mail to : imax@odyssee.net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
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July 28, 2001
A Correspondent, California
NeoTherapeutics Inc presented data on its lead compound, Neotrofin, at the
``4th International Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's
Disease and Related Disorders'' meeting in Princeton, N.J. Data from
experiments demonstrating a statistically significant increase of 32 per
cent in brain stem cells in the hippocampus of mice, an area of the brain
associated with memory was reported. In experiments conducted at
NeoTherapeutics, the company has demonstrated that brain stem cells can
mature into neurons and astrocytes. Studies are underway to assess the
effect of Neotrofin on this differentiation process.
Neotrofin is a purine derivative that induces, in the nervous system, the
production of certain proteins, called neurotrophic growth factors that are
involved with survival and differentiation of neurons. Neotrofin is
currently in pivotal clinical studies as a therapy for Alzheimer's disease
and in Phase 2 testing for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.
``Stem cell research is the cutting edge of new attempts to replace aging or
diseased nerve cells,'' said CEO Dr. Alvin Glasky. ``Neotrofin appears to be
a regenerative drug in the truest sense of the word in that it may enhance
the brain's limited ability to repair itself by stimulating the production
of new cells in the brain. Our greatest hope is that these new stem cells
might one day prove to slow down or reverse a variety of neurodegenerative
brain disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease,''
added Dr. Glasky.
Brain stem cells are immature cells that retain the potential to multiply
and develop into new nerve cells. This process is called neurogenesis. Once
cells mature to become neurons they can no longer divide, and upon loss due
to disease or injury, they must be replaced for the brain to retain
function. The dogma had been that neurogenesis only occurs in young animals
and humans and, that once an organism reaches adulthood, this process no
longer occurs. This gave rise to the assumption that once nerve cells were
lost there was no way to repopulate an injured or diseased brain. Loss of
neurons is the basis for many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease,
Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and for the deficits seen as a
result of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke.
__________________________________________________ __
Maksim (Max) Bily
mail to : imax@odyssee.net
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Visit http://carecure.rutgers.edu/spinewire/index.html for best sci
research info on Web
www.thinkwave.com (http://www.thinkwave.com) -Where Teachers, Students and Parents Communicate
Play International Red Cross Lottery online
for weekly jackpot of 20.000.000 Swiss Franks tax free...
http://www.pluslotto.com/default.asp?urlref=3300003298889