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I just ran across this new release at the NPF site. Maybe it has been printed before, but thought it might be of interest. On April 10, 1997, the Executive Director of NPF, Mr. Emilio Alonso-Mendoza was interviewed by various news services regarding the recent announcement of a drug, GPI-1046, which could possibly reverse Parkinson's disease. The drug, developed by Guilford Pharmaceuticals of Baltimore, Maryland, represents a "tremendously exciting" advance, says Dr. Jonathan Pincus, M.D. Dr. Pincus a physician with Georgetown University, an NPF Center of Excellence, is a Parkinson's disease expert. He says this is "the first time there has been a compound that could get into the brain and stimulate nerve growth". The following frequently asked questions have been prepared to keep you informed of what is currently known on this announcement. Intriguingly, the animal tests show these compounds can regenerate other types of damaged nerves, without affecting normal, healthy neurons. Hamilton says that means these drugs could potentially treat nerve damage in conditions such as diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome or Bell's palsy. Further, the compounds "protect other types of neurons in the brain against toxic damage," Hamilton says. So Guilford is looking into their impact on Alzheimer's disease, with "encouraging initial results." Other potential targets include multiple sclerosis, traumatic head and spinal cord injuries and stroke. Hamilton adds that "it is our feeling at this point that almost any disease that involves chronic degeneration of nerves may be affected in a positive manner by these compounds. They appear to have an extremely general effect to promote regeneration of damaged nerves." What is the importance of this drug? The drug is supposed to regenerate damaged neurons, resulting in more than 90% recovery of normal behavior in animals trials, says Dr. Gregory Hamilton, principal scientist in Guilford's research department. The compounds, which can be administered orally, are small molecules which bind to cellular proteins. What results can be expected from the drug? The exciting results achieved in the animal trials is, that they are doing more than just slowing down the progression of Parkinson's. The trials suggest it may be possible to take patients who are beginning to show manifestations of the disease and return them to normal function. What is the current status of this project? The drug has been successfully tested in rats and mice without any problems with toxicity or side effects. They are currently doing more advanced testing on other subjects; human clinical trials could begin as early as the end of this year. What will NPF do next? NPF will be meeting with representatives from Guilford Pharmaceuticals to see what their immediate plans are and how NPF, our clinical and research Centers of Excellence around the world and the patients we represent, can help. We will send out updates as new information becomes available. Nancy B CG for Don 63/12+