Geron plans to advance clinical program for spinal cord injury

In my earlier blog (Euphoria over Stem Cell Therapy.....) did mentioned that, there are many companies which falsely claimed that they have got technology (stem cell treatment) to treat spinal cord injury. But an established company like Geron, has plan to advance clinical development of its human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based product, GRNOPC1, for the treatment of spinal cord injury. The plan is expected to enable Geron to re-initiate the Phase I clinical trial of GRNOPC1 in patients with complete thoracic spinal cord injury and to support future expansion of the trial to patients with cervical injuries.

I read earlier about the preclinical studies of GRNOPC1 and the company claimed that it is developing GRNOPC1 for spinal cord injury, but is also exploring application for other neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer disease really interesting to see the results.

As I had an opportunity to talk and work (contract research) with Geron [known for its first-in-class biopharmaceuticals (especially "antisense drugs" from oligonucleotides) for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases] company, I know its credentials and am really excited to see some interesting out come from their advance clinical program. All the best....

Ref : http://www.geron.com/media/pressview.aspx?id=1195

Botox for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). ...

We know that Botulinum toxin is a medication and a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and is held to be the most toxic substance known to mankind with an LD50 of roughly 0.005-0.05 µg/kg. Despite its greatest known toxic effect, it is also used in very small doses to treat muscle spasms. The acceptance of BTX-A use for the treatment of spasticity and muscle pain disorders is growing, with approvals pending in many European countries and studies on headaches (including migraine), prostatic symptoms, asthma, obesity and many other possible indications are ongoing.

But some interesting findings of the same drug has been presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, i.e., botox can be used as a pain medication to fight Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

The study found injecting Botox into the area affected by pain provides significant pain control. Eight patients suffering from severe pain received an average of nine injections , one every four weeks. All of patients reported a significant improvement (31.25 percent) in their daily pain control that was maintained for up to 17 months. Though the drug has been used to treat many problems like cervical dystonia (CD), strabismus, blepharospasm, primary axillary hyperhidrosis, glabellar lines (wrinkle fighter). this finding is more significant....

Ref : http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Documents/Media/ps2009/19-Botox-Chronic-Pain.pdf

PEDOT helps Artificial Limbs To Feel Heat, Cold, Touch !

We know that, Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT (or sometimes PEDT) is a conducting polymer based on 3,4-ethylenedioxylthiophene or EDOT monomer. Advantages of this polymer are optical transparency in its conducting state, high stability and moderate band gap and low redox potential. A large disadvantage is poor solubility which is partly circumvented in the PEDOT:PSS composite, and the PEDOT-TMA material. (Note: Pedot is a transparent conductor. These conductors are used for LCDs and solar cells, among others.)

But more interesting property of this polymer has been established by Physicians at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). They have discovered that the polymer (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene or PEDOT) helps stimulate and grow new nerve fibers in severed nerves of amputees. Stimulating and growing nerve fibers are one of the first steps in providing amputees more neurologic control over their prosthetics. PEDOT functions similar to a wire. In the study, the PEDOT was placed in a tube, along with other biologic and synthetic materials, and grafted into the severed leg nerve of a rat. New nerve fibers grew and took over function for the dead or dysfunctional severed nerve springing targeted muscles to life.

Most interesting is the other study, plastic surgeons designed a cup containing cells and muscle that fits around the severed leg nerve of a rat. The PEDOT polymer was wrapped around all of the cells and muscle in the cup to provide an electrical charge. Tests were conducted 114 days after the procedure. The study found new muscle and blood vessels formed, nerve fibers sprouted, and muscle fibers started compensating for lost nerves. After tickling the rat's paw, doctors' were able to pick up electrical signals indicating sensation had returned. Hope in the days to come "real feeling" to artificial limbs.....

One can read/view this slide show..

Vegetables Can Protect Unborn Child Against Diabetes

Expecting mothers who eat vegetables every day seem to have children who are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes, a new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy has revealed......


More......Vegetables Can Protect Unborn Child Against Diabetes

Triple-combo Drug for Antiviral-resistant H1N1 ?

In laboratory testing, the triple combination of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), amantadine (Symmetrel) and ribavirin showed a significant capacity to stop flu-virus growth, says Mark Prichard....

More...http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132426.htm

Epilepsy Drugs Could Treat Alzheimer's And Parkinson's

Epilepsy Drugs Could Treat Alzheimer's And Parkinson's

Scientists Discover Gene that 'Cancer-Proofs' Rodent's Cells

In my earlier blog, I did mention about how naked mole rats may help cure cancer. The same researchers have achieved something interesting i.e., they have discovered have discovered the gene that "cancer-proofs the naked mole". For details...

Junk DNA Mechanism That Prevents Two Species From Reproducing Discovered

Cornell researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism in fruit flies that prevents two closely related species from reproducing, a finding that offers clues to how species evolve.

More ...Junk DNA Mechanism That Prevents Two Species From Reproducing Discovered

New 'Schizophrenia Gene' Prompts Researchers To Test Potential Drug Target

The newfound gene, dubbed KIAA1212, serves as a bridge linking two schizophrenia genes: DISC1 and AKT. Suspecting KIAA1212 as one of many potential binding partners interacting with DISC1, whose name is an acronym for "Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia," the researchers genetically shut down the production of DISC1 proteins in newly born neurons in the hippocampus region of an adult mouse brain. The hippocampus contains a niche where native stem cells give rise to fully developed new neurons

Read : New 'Schizophrenia Gene' Prompts Researchers To Test Potential Drug Target

Now Cobroxin, available online......

In my earlier blog, I did mention about the launch of Cobroxin as OTC pain reliever. Now its available online. More...