[paula_w]

From Linda H in pipeliner email:

Blood Brain Barrier
New blood brain barrier study findings have been reported from ArmaGen Technologies, Inc.
Feb. 12,2010

A new study, 'Comparison of blood-brain barrier transport of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and an IgG-GDNF fusion protein in the rhesus monkey,' is now available. "The brain drug development of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is prevented by the lack of transport of this protein across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). GDNF transport across the BBB can be made possible by re-engineering the neurotrophin as a fusion protein with a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR), which crosses the BBB on the endogenous insulin receptor," scientists in the United States report.

(that's ArmaGen not Amgen)

full article at:

http://www.newsrx.com/health-articles/1758909.html

[jinglelady4]

is new delivery of GDNF really in the works? do you know which method is
preferred? orally, through olfactory system, injection, do you know?

PS: do you know if Merapex is associated with swelling of the legs and feet?

[paula_w]

Jinglebelle,

There are actually a couple new trials being planned but the delivery details are sketchy. One involves the NIH, Amgen [yes Amgen is in on this one] and a company called Med Genesis. Amgen is licensing out the GDNF. This trial actually has two deliveries that we aren't clear on yet but think gene therapy.

the armagen research is above. Deliveries are vague to me right now.

i do think mirapex has caused swelling.

will keep posting if i hear something,
paula

[olsen]

I continue to believe the plant derivative, Ibogaine/Ibocaine, may have uatility in PD due to its ability to increase GDNF, and is administered orally. there are old posts concerning this agent---why it is not on anyone's research radar for PD is something I do not understand, Except for the fact if used in addictions, could revolutionize (ie put out of business) the entire industry of drug and alcohol addiction. There are synethesized forms of it, so it could conceivably be patented, and in fact Dr. Deborah Marsh in Florida has patented a form of the drug.

Prompts me to visit MJF web site and suggest at least looking at this drug one more time. the excuse i have read for not using the drug is that it has been abused in the past for its hallucinogenic effect. dr. marsh's patented formulation was specific to reduce/eliminate this effect, though i am unsure if she succeeded. i know i have mentioned before, this is reportedly the drug Keith richards and eric clapton used to break their addictions to big time drugs--i cannot remember now which drugs. there are clinics thru out the world offerring use of the drug for addictions. i am now paranoid enough to wonder if i should just shut up about this drug---might prompt even more legislation against it since it was banned in the 60's because of its abuse potential; though feel it was banned because of its potential for effective treatment for addictions. madelyn

[lurkingforacure]

Years of watching people suffer, not just from PD but all the other "incurables", has also made me a skeptic. I see how little profit there is to be gained from actually curing anything; and indeed, for the most part, all I see big pharma doing is more "treatments". Who would give up the mutli-billion dollar annuity that is the PD Rx gravytrain? It is maddening.

I don't think this problem is limited to big pharma, either. Think of all the neuros-what would they do without PD patients to treat? For some, it makes up more than 50-75% of their practice. And what about all those researchers? What will they do once PD, or some other well-funded disease, is cured? Breast cancer alone has had billions of dollars poured into it-yet still no cure. Same for AIDS (makes me crazy, as this one can largely be prevented).

Watching my own mother go through some routine age-related medical issues (gastro, hip replacement, she doesn't have PD) has made me pretty paranoid about the personnel side of our healthcare system as well. From her experience, it seems doctors are LOOKING for things to treat her for, including "diagnostic surgery", and prescribing loads of prescriptions, but never any mention of good nutrition, exercise, or getting out in the sun. Why would they want her healthy? She has Medicare, and payment is certain. The more tests, visits, screens, scans, prescriptions, follow-ups and consultations, the more they make. They have no clue, and I have no faith in the bulk of them. As someone once told me, stay away from doctors and hospitals, you'll get sick!

I am so thankful for this forum, where common sense prevails, and alternative solutions discussed openly. I know there are many dedicated researchers out there, perhaps even some lurking in the halls of big pharma. I just see the great wave of profit-seeking as a rather enourmous barrier to overcome. I'm not against profit, just wish that the powers that be were satisfied with a couple million for a cure, instead of the GDP of a large developed country. Sigh.

[jinglelady4]

the sheer numbers & influence magnitude of the depth & extent of this & similar morality issues paralleled with the stark need of humanity such as Haiti victoms boggles the mind.