Bayer’s stem cell therapy developed by its U.S. subsidiary, BlueRock, has shown promising results in easing Parkinson’s disease symptoms, according to a recent trial. The German drugmaker announced the success of the trial in June but held back on providing detailed information until a medical conference. Now, Bayer has revealed that one year after the treatment, patients on a high dose experienced an average of 2.16 hours longer per day with well-controlled symptoms and a reduction of 1.91 hours per day in the time of worsening symptoms. Participants on a lower dose saw an average increase of 0.72 hours per day with well-controlled symptoms and a decrease of 0.75 hours per day in worsening symptoms. The treatment was well tolerated by patients with no major safety issues.
Christian Rommel, Bayer’s head of drug research and development, expressed optimism about the Phase I clinical trial’s outcome, calling it a clear step forward. BlueRock’s experimental therapy involved taking human pluripotent embryonic stem cells and transforming them into dopamine-producing nerve cells. These cells were then implanted into the brain to restore neural networks damaged by Parkinson’s disease. In addition to the cell transplantation, patients received drugs to prevent the immune system from attacking the newly implanted cells.
The results of the trial were presented at the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The quest for a Parkinson’s disease treatment, which is caused by a deficiency of the dopamine molecule that regulates basic brain functions, has faced numerous challenges over the years. However, recent research projects, including Bayer’s, have focused on transplanting modified cells to restore dopamine production in affected areas of the brain. Other institutions and organizations involved in similar research include Cambridge University in the UK, Bundang CHA Hospital in South Korea, International Stem Cell Corp’s Cyto Therapeutics in Australia, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harvard University in the United States, and Kyoto University Hospital in Japan.
Bayer has reiterated its commitment to advancing testing on humans to the second stage out of three. Patient enrollment for the next phase, which will include a comparative group that will not receive the treatment, is set to begin in the first half of 2024. Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive brain damage. Common symptoms include loss of muscle control, tremors, and muscle rigidity, with some patients also experiencing dementia.
In conclusion, Bayer’s stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease has demonstrated promising results in easing symptoms during an early-phase trial. The success of BlueRock’s experimental therapy, which utilizes transformed stem cells, represents a significant advancement in the search for an effective treatment for this debilitating disease. While further testing and trials are required, the potential of this new therapy offers hope for the millions of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease worldwide.
