New stem cell research unlocks unknown therapies

As an example, a first-in-human study was just initiated for Parkinson's disease patients with the drug product, sNN0031, from the Swedish company NeuroNova. The drug, which is administered into the fluid-filled cavities of the brain, has shown long lasting recovery and formation of new cells in animal models of Parkinson's disease. Last year, a treatment for ALS entered the clinical trial phase.

Disorders in the brain and nervous system result in more hospitalizations than any other disease group, and treatments entail large costs to society. The research field of neuroscience is one of Sweden's finest. This had resulted in achievements within numerous areas of basic science with considerable scope to direct clinical applications. These include research advances concerning the origin and repair of nerve cell damage following stroke and spinal cord injury, as well as research into major degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Dr Frisén is one of Sweden's leading stem cell researchers, since many years with a focus on nerve stem cells. Among his most recent publications is an article in Science, April 3rd, 2009 where evidence is shown for renewal of heart muscle cells in humans, a result that can be used to develop therapeutic strategies for cardiac pathologies.

NeuroNova AB is a Swedish biopharmaceutical company working with neurogenesis and neuroprotection for treatment of several currently incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Jonas Frisén is the scientific founder of NeuroNova.

For further information, please contact:
Jonas Frisén, M.D., Professor, Karolinska Institutet
Tel: +46 70 445 1142
Email: jonas.frisen@ki.se
Sabina Bossi, Press Officer, Karolinska Institutet
Tel: +46 70 614 6066
Email: sabina.bossi@ki.se
Anna Karin Källén, Head of Communications, SwedenBIO,
The Swedish Life Science Industry Organization
Tel: +46 73 433 2085
Email: annakarin.kallen@swedenbio.com
Karolinska Institutet is one of the leading medical universities in Europe. Through research and education, Karolinska Institutet contributes to improving human health. Each year, the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. For more information, visit ki.se.

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