Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehab.
Research
MIF protein levels may present novel approach for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
New research highlights a promising therapeutic avenue for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Led by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in conjunction with counterparts from Germany, the USA, and Canada, the study delves into the potential of augmenting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein levels as a novel approach to tackling ALS.
Caffeine affects brain dopamine function in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Regular high caffeine consumption affects dopamine function in patients with Parkinson’s disease, shows a new international study led by the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland. Caffeine consumption before undergoing diagnostic brain dopamine imaging may also affect the imaging results.
Mechanisms for selective multiple sclerosis treatment strategy
Researchers have demonstrated how B cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can contribute to a pathogenic, inflammatory phenotype that contributes to multiple sclerosis (MS), the group has also shown how these problematic B cells can be selectively targeted in a way that reduces the damaging autoimmune response of multiple sclerosis.
Results from world’s largest study on Parkinson’s gene
Results from the world’s largest study on LRRK2 G2019S have uncovered new insights into the variant. 23andMe launched the Parkinson’s Impact Project (PIP) in 2018 to better understand which LRRK2 G2019S carriers’ are at greatest risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The three and a half year longitudinal study included 1,286 genotyped LRRK2 G2019S carriers and 109,154 non-carriers. Findings illustrate how DNA weaves together health, ancestry, and history.
American perceptions of Alzheimer’s
A national poll has revealed significant insights into American voters’ perceptions of Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting widespread concern and the urgent need for increased awareness and innovative treatments. The survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,000 registered voters, underscores the personal impact of Alzheimer’s on American families and the substantial gaps in knowledge about current treatments.
Company updates
Remedy announces latest results from acute stroke drug trial
Remedy Pharmaceuticals announced that prespecified subgroup analyses from the Phase 3 CHARM clinical trial of CIRARA (IV glibenclamide) showed meaningful improvements in functional outcomes on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which were further validated in post hoc analyses. The findings follow the early termination of the pivotal Phase 3 trial by Cambridge-based Biogen after a strategic realignment of resources, and the return of the program to Remedy.
RespireRx secures DOD for spinal cord injury research
RespireRx Pharmaceuticals announced that the US Department of Defense (DOD) has approved a $1.8 million translational research award to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to fund a two stage Phase 2A and 2B clinical study in order to determine the safety and efficacy of CX1739, its lead clinical AMPAkine, to improve bladder function and motor activity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
