Neurodegenerative disease animal models human

It shows significant activity against a spectmm of neurodegenerative disorders in animal models that replicate many of the features of important human neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson s disease [147]. 

StemCells, Inc. is developing a proprietary NSC product for cellular therapy, under license from NeuroSpheres Ltd., comprising well-characterized, normal human CNS stem cells (HuCNS-SCs) from brain tissue. HuCNS-SC is currently under investigation for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly BD [180367], [540074]. Preclinical studies have been performed in various animal models of CNS diseases and injuries. Data from these studies has supported the therapeutic potential of HuCNS-SCs, and the therapy has recently been approved for a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of BD [629732]. 

Advances in stem cell therapy have received a great deal of press in recent years. Unfortunately, when public expectations have been raised, patients are likely to search for non-orthodox sources of treatment. There are tens of thousands of internet pages extolling the promise of stem cells, and various forms of stem cell therapy are available on a commercial basis in a number of countries, including China, South America, and Eastern Europe. However, most administer the stem cells in an uncontrolled way and do not have long term follow-up so that rational scientific conclusions cannot be reached. The science provides hope for potential therapeutic interventions in neurodegenerative diseases, but it is in its early stages and much is still needed to be learned about how to control stem cell proliferation, differentiation into specific cells and optimal functional recovery in animal models before human trials. The collection and use of human fetal tissue may also raise ethical concerns. 

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