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iPSC patents headed for a showdown?
A recent blog over at ScienceInsider (Landmark Pluripotent Patent Has Stem Cell Researchers Nervous) discusses the recent awarding of a patent to MIT researcher Rudolph Jaenisch and MGH researcher ... 
Responses: 1
GDNF vs Neurturin: Is one better than the other?
Both GDNF and neurturin (NTN) have been in Phase II clinical trials for PD and NTN is currently being tested in a Phase I/II trial. Both are members of the GDNF family of ligands and have shown ... 
Responses: 2
Stem cells as a means to deliver trophic factors
What are the strengths and limitations of using stem cells or other cell sources as trophic factor delivery devices?   ... 
What are the best methods for testing the efficacy of novel neuroprotective therapeutics in pre-clinical models?
An important step in moving novel neuroprotective agents towards the clinic involves testing the efficacy of therapeutics in preclinical models.  Many different preclinical models are available ... 
Responses: 15
Can induced pluripotent stem cells be used to generate useful Parkinson's disease cell models?
The demonstration that forced expression of only a handful of genes can 'reprogram' adult human skin cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells (with properties of embryonic stem cells) has ... 
Responses: 7
How can we improve brain delivery of trophic factors? The Myth of Convection Enhanced Delivery?
The direct delivery of proteins and genes to the brain by surgical techniques is hampered by the limited diffusion of the molecules into the target area. Convection Enhanced Delivery utilizes ... 
Responses: 6
Does GDNF still have potential as a treatment for Parkinson's disease?
The decision by Amgen to halt the GDNF human trials was met with controversy and a vocal response from the patient community.  While some serious concerns were raised regarding the safety of ... 
Responses: 23
Is nasal delivery a viable option for trophic factor delivery to the brain?
Neurotrophic factors have great potential as neuroprotective drugs for Parkinson's disease but their delivery from the blood to the brain is poor, necessitating neurosurgical strategies to achieve ... 
Responses: 1