The research on this hereditary disease has been developed in the Area of Genetic Therapy and Hepatology of the CIMA. Dr. Jesús Prieto coordinated the research, which was carried out by scientists Gloria González Aseguinolaza, Astrid Pańeda, Rubén Hernández Alcoceba and Antonio Fontanellas. The symptoms of this disease appear when there are anomalies in the production of heme, a basic substance for the synthesis of vital proteins such as hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochrome.
Among the problems that this disease causes, which until now have been incurable, are included internal neuropsychological disturbances and severe stomach pains. As well, acute attacks of porphyria can be fatal if they cause grave neurological complications.
Persons affected will intermittently suffer from the symptoms of porphyria throughout their entire life. Upon occasion, they appear in adolescence and more frequently in adulthood, with greater occurrence in women. Some medicines, such as barbiturates, tranquilizers and sedatives, can trigger the disease; as well as diets, hormonal irregularities, tobacco, alcohol, infections or emotional and physical stress.
After testing the effectiveness of the treatment, the CIMA and the AMT have obtained exclusive rights to synthesize and develop the medications. Currently, the clinical phase is scheduled to begin in 2008 and the treatments should be available to the public in 2010.
Egoitz Etxebeste | Source: basqueresearch
Further information: www.elhuyar.com
www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Gelaxka=1_1&hizk=I&Berri_Kod=1255
More articles from
Health and Medicine:
Does hormone treatment predispose patients to breast cancer?
21.11.2008 | CNRS (Délégation Paris Michel-Ange)
Mechanisms of cardiovascular disease and cancer give clues to new therapies
21.11.2008 | European Science Foundation
Sustainable garden roofs developed as a new construction material
21.11.2008 | Studies and Analyses
Bees declared the winners in Earthwatch’s ‘irreplaceable species’ battle
21.11.2008 | Ecology, The Environment and Conservation
Hairspray is linked to common genital birth defect
21.11.2008 | Studies and Analyses
The Automobile – The Transition from Energy Guzzler to Power Supplier
20.11.2008 | Event News
Ministers meet to define the role of space in delivering global objectives
18.11.2008 | Event News
156th Annual Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Meeting in Miami
28.10.2008 | Event News