Parkinsons New Zealand excited about success of living cell research trial.
18 June 2015
Parkinsons New Zealand is excited about the results of Living Cell Technologies’ (LCT) trial involving NZ pig cells in
the treatment of Parkinson’s.
New Zealand based Biotechnology Company LCT reported positive safety results in the four New Zealand patients who took
part in the trial.
Dr Barry Snow, a neurologist at Auckland City Hospital who leads the research, presented the results at the 19th
International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease in San Diego on Wednesday, 17 June.
“Parkinson’s New Zealand has been keenly watching this ground breaking research and we are excited about the hope these
results will bring to the 10,000 Kiwis living with Parkinson’s, “says Stephanie Clare, Parkinson’s New Zealand’s Acting
Chief Executive and Clinical Leader.
Dr Snow and LCT are calling NT cell therapy a success. The therapy involves implanting capsules of cells from pigs into
the brains of people with well-established Parkinson’s who are experiencing a lot of problems with traditional therapy.
This treatment aims to slow or stop the loss of dopamine by transplanting cells that release growth factors.
“A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be overwhelming and we don’t want anyone to face Parkinson’s alone,” says Stephanie.
“Right now somewhere in New Zealand someone is being told they have Parkinson’s and I want to make sure they know our
Community Educators and Parkinson’s New Zealand will be there to support them, provide information, referrals and
exercise and support groups to help them live well with Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is caused by insufficient quantities of dopamine - a
chemical in the brain. Dopamine enables quick, well-coordinated movement. When dopamine levels fall, movements become
slow and awkward. Parkinson’s has both motor and non-motor symptoms, and while it cannot be cured it can be treated.
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