Gene therapy offers hope for Parkinson's patients

New trials of gene therapy for Parkinson's disease have shown encouraging results, giving hope to millions of people with this paralysis syndrome worldwide.

This information was published in the British medical journal The Lancet on January 10.

The new therapy, called ProSavin , has been licensed for human trials after being done on monkeys in the lab.

The international team of scientists tested the new therapy for 15 patients aged 48-65 with Parkinson's disease.

This therapy aims to improve the lack of dopamine - a neurotransmitter that helps the brain control movement and motor coordination.

Photo: thenews.com.pk

First, the scientists introduced three types of coding genes that stimulate brain cells that produce dopamine into a virus (the lentivirus type) has been weakened.

Later, doctors implanted the virus into the patient's necessary brain area, where the virus penetrated and prompted brain cells to continue producing dopamine.

Results showed that patients treated with ProSavin had better coordination and balance, reduced vibration, muscle spasms, and improved speech behavior.

After 12 months of therapy, the symptoms of motor movement continued to improve in all patients, especially those using high doses of implanted genes. This therapy is also proven to be safe for patients.

However, according to scientist Jon Stoessl of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, the new therapy does not treat non-motor problems caused by Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's is a form of neurodegenerative disease, in which the patient loses flexibility and coordination, often suffering from unintentional seizures and tremors.

In addition, Parkinson's causes non-motor symptoms, including cognitive and behavioral problems, which can have a major impact on the quality of life of the patient.

There are up to five million people suffering from this disease worldwide.