I have seen a number of reports re. implanting RPE cells (retinal pigment epithelial cells). The one below is being researched at the university of Arizona:

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6844641

and allegedly a stem cell based option is all but here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6721685.stm

Does anyone know how this relates to Spheramine (RPE cell transplant) and are the parties concerned talking ?

Neil.

Neil,

I live in Arizona and have met Dr. Brian McKay. He is an eye specialist/researcher at the University of Arizona.

A few weeks ago he gave a presentation at the U of A about implanting retinal cells in pwp. (I'll find that link and post it) From his presentation, it sounded like he is also a consultant for Spheramine (Titan / Bayer) because he talked about his association with ongoing trials using retinal cells.

Here is the link to his talk:

http://streaming.biocom.arizona.edu/event/?id=20780


Also I spoke to him a few months ago at a MJ Fox Science Roundtable here in Arizona and he proposes to do something slightly different from Spheramine - he would still use retinal cells, but autologous - use the patient's own retinal cells so there will be no risk of rejection.

A local PD association tried desperately to get funding for his research this year. But unfortunately the timing for getting an application submitted and through the approval process was bad, so to our great disappointment, he did not get funding this year.

He is still testing on animals. But I'm following this closely. Whenever / If ever there is a phase I trial - I would be interested in it - and glad to find such promising research so close to my home.

where else could you get such informed info so quickly.

Neil.

Neil

As you know I saw my neurologist recently and he said that there were currently around 150 PD cell and gene research projects ongoing worldwide with spheramine & Cere120 being two of the more high profile because they are at an advanced clinical trials stage.

Chris

Avoid spheramine. It can cause inflamation, increased imbalance and severe hallucinations and lead to immediate and permanent nursing home residence; wheelchair, diaper, restraints.

Please explalin further or give a url where the information can be found if it is not too personal.

Thanks thelma

Our friend Peggy Willocks swears by hers, she was one of the original recipients. Is this one person we are talking about??

If it is, it sounds like this poor soul had a stroke , or possibly an allergic reaction(?) during or immediately after their surgery.

I would not pass judgement on spheramine based on one person's experience. Be it good or bad.

Charlie