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Exciting Field In Cure For Parkinson's 1 comment
Dec 7, 2012 8:20 AM | about stocks: AMBS.OB, AMGN, BMY

I recently wrote an article covering some companies attempting tofind a cure for Parkinsons. As a follow up, I wanted to write about an exciting field of neutrophic factors that are being used in an attempt to treat Parkinsons.

Neutrophic factors are a family of proteins that are responsible for the growth and survival of developing neurons and the maintenance of mature neurons. Recent research has proven that neurotrophic factors promote the initial growth and development of neurons in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and that they are capable of restoring damaged neurons in test tubes and animal models. Neurotrophic factors are often released by the target tissue in order to guide the growth of developing axons. Currently, neurotrophic factors are being intensely studied for use in bioartificial nerve conduits because they are necessary in vivo for directing axon growth and regeneration. In studies, neurotrophic factors are normally used in conjunction with other techniques such as biological and physical cues created by the addition of cells and specific topographies.

In this article I'm going to cover 3 different neutrophic factors, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor or GDNF, cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor or CDNF, and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor or MANF as part of a two part series. Providing assistance in this article is Henri Huttunen, Ph.D., CSO and Partner from Hermo Pharma Oy Ltd., a privately owned, venture capital backed company based in Finland working on therapeutic approaches for currently untreatable medical needs, particularly Parkinson's disease. Hermo Pharma is a recent recipient of approximately $700,000 in grants from the Michael J. Fox Foundation...

http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/16...or-parkinson-s