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Date: 22-03-2000 Translation: HvdG Source: University Medical Center St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. THC 346 stops symptoms of PD in monkeys Two neurobiologists from Nijmegen (the Netherlands) have found the compound THC 346 to stop the progression of PD in monkeys completely. Within 3 months a trial will start with PWP. The medicine might also have a positive effect upon ALS and Alzheimers. One of the researchers, Prof. dr. A. Cools of the University Medical Center St. Radboud, said the discovery to be every researchers dream. He and his collegue Andringa could not believe it when they saw the effect of THC 346 in tests with rhesus monkeys. Worldwide researchers never before succeeded in actually stopping the progression of PD, Cools said. THC346 stops the apoptose of the neurons completely. This was found in studies with rats and rhesus monkeys, injected with a compound that induced PD. The sick monkeys that then had an injection of THC 346, showed no more progression in motoric or behavioral problems. Cools is convinced that these effects will also be found in the study with humans. THC 346 can be taken orally (pill) by PWP. The neurobiologist stressed that the compound does not cure PD. Symptoms that already appeared, will stay. But if PWP have their first symptoms, these symptoms are still minimal. Untill now therapy was often delayed because of severe side-effects of the available medication. THC346 makes it possible to stop the progression in an early phase at a level that people still can function quite normal. The researchers are still trying to find out how much and how long THC 346 has to be taken to stop the apoptosis of the neurons definitively. Cools hopes one period of treatment will be sufficient in the early phase of PD. In advanced PD it will probably take several treatment periods to stop the progression. THC 346 is tested upon healthy persons in Switzerland and found to be save. Cools expects worldwide studies of THC 346 use for ALS and Huntington's to start within the year. These diseases are also due to apoptosis. If the human trials with PWP have the same effects as the studies with monkeys, the medication is expected to be available to the public in 3-5 years.