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Source: Viartis 18th September 2008 - News release AMGEN'S GDNF GENE RESUMES USE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE The GDNF gene is claimed to contain the information for a protein necessary for the development and survival of nerve cells. Several years ago, Amgen's use of GDNF was being touted as a great breakthrough in Parkinson's Disease. During Amgen's clinical trials of GDNF, patients were claiming that their symptoms had been rid due to using it - even though some of those patients had been taking the placebo instead. Amidst widespread protests, Amgen ceased its use of GDNF altogether due to studies showing that it caused toxicity in animals. The patients' experiences were subsequently detailed in "Monkeys in the Middle". Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT) have just announced that it has obtained a license from Amgen to use their GDNF gene for the development of a gene therapy treatment for Parkinson's disease. For more information go to AMT. In theory, GDNF could biochemically increase somebody's ability to produce their own dopamine. However, an animal study showed that this effect would reverse over time. Since the Amgen clinical trial, in two small independent open clinical trials involving 5 and 10 patients, a moderate beneficial effect was shown. However, when a large controlled clinical trial was later carried out by the same people, GDNF had no effect at all in ridding Parkinson's Disease. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn