We might finally have a cure for Parkinson's disease
What's the story
Chinese medical experts have developed a highly efficient stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease, a condition with no known cure. The innovative treatment comes from a team led by neurology specialist Shi Jiong at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei. Their regenerative approach converts stem cells into functional cells with remarkable efficiency, achieving a conversion rate of over 80%.
Trial success
Therapy shows promising results in clinical trials
Since mid-2023, Shi's team has been conducting a Phase I clinical trial of the stem cell transplant treatment. The trial has included six patients so far, all of whom have shown rapid improvement in their symptoms. This includes a significant and sustained increase in dopamine signaling within the brain, which is crucial for motor function.
Patient recovery
Patient's remarkable recovery after stem cell therapy
One of the trial participants, a 37-year-old woman with the surname Li, has shown remarkable improvement after receiving the stem cell therapy. She started losing motor control at just 22 years of age but has now largely achieved a functional cure and returned to normal life within three months of treatment. Her case highlights the potential of this innovative approach in treating Parkinson's disease.