Stem Cells Tested for Dopamine Production in Parkinson’s

Parkinson's disease affects over a million people in the U.S., with an annual 90,000 new cases. Leading to a dopamine deficit, it causes motor symptoms like tremors. Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC are testing a new treatment involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), capable of developing into dopamine-producing neurons. These cells are implanted in the brain, potentially slowing the disease and restoring motor function. Participants will be monitored for up to five years for symptom changes. The study, supported by Kenai Therapeutics' RNDP-001, has received FDA fast-track designation.