Kyoto University

First Patients Receive Groundbreaking Autologous Stem Cell Treatment for Parkinson's Disease in Phase 1 Trial

3 months ago

• Mass General Brigham launches pioneering Phase 1 trial using patients' own reprogrammed stem cells to replace damaged dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease, with three of six participants treated successfully. • The innovative treatment converts patients' blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are then transformed into dopamine neurons, eliminating the need for immunosuppression. • The FDA-approved trial, based on three decades of research at McLean Hospital, will monitor patients for 12 months to assess safety and potential improvements in Parkinson's symptoms.

Denosumab Shows Superior Fracture Prevention in Dialysis Patients Despite Cardiovascular Risks

5 months ago

• Japanese study reveals denosumab reduces fracture risk by 45% compared to oral bisphosphonates in dialysis patients over three years, particularly effective for nonvertebral fractures. • Research identifies potential cardiovascular concerns, with denosumab users showing 3.5 times higher risk of acute myocardial infarction compared to bisphosphonate users. • Findings highlight important clinical trade-offs, as denosumab's independence from kidney clearance makes it valuable for dialysis patients, despite FDA's recent boxed warning for severe hypocalcemia risk.

Tooth-Regrowing Drug Enters Clinical Trials, Offering Hope for Natural Tooth Replacement

5 months ago

• A novel drug developed by Japanese researchers is undergoing clinical trials to regenerate teeth by targeting the USAG-1 protein. • The drug aims to stimulate the growth of a third set of teeth from dormant buds beneath the gums, offering an alternative to implants. • Initial trials focus on safety in adults, with plans to expand to children with congenital tooth agenesis, potentially available by 2030. • Experts are optimistic about the drug's potential to revolutionize dentistry, particularly for those with limited access to dental care.

Experimental Drug Shows Promise in Regenerating Teeth in Human Trials

6 months ago

• Japanese researchers are testing a drug aimed at regenerating teeth, with human trials commencing this September. • The drug targets the USAG-1 antibody, which inhibits tooth growth, showing success in animal studies with ferrets and mice. • Initial human trials will involve 30 men aged 30-64, assessing the drug's efficacy and safety via intravenous administration. • If successful, the treatment could be available by 2030, potentially transforming dental care by offering a natural alternative to implants.

Stem Cell Transplant Reverses Type 1 Diabetes in World-First Clinical Trial

8 months ago

• A 25-year-old Chinese woman with type 1 diabetes achieved insulin independence after receiving a stem cell transplant, marking a potential breakthrough in diabetes treatment. • The patient's own cells were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then differentiated into functional islet cells, which were transplanted into her abdomen. • Following the transplant, the patient's blood sugar levels stabilized, and she no longer required insulin injections, maintaining a non-diabetic glycemic range for over a year. • This success builds on previous stem cell research for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, offering hope for personalized cell therapies to treat this chronic condition.