The Facts
BlueRock, the US subsidiary of German Pharmaceutical company Bayer, on Monday reported encouraging results from a preliminary 12-patient trial involving a stem cell therapy aimed at alleviating Parkinson's disease symptoms.
The study tested a low and high dose of the therapy — known as Bemdaneprocel — and found evidence across both groups that cells had engrafted and were surviving. BlueRock added that the severity of the disease had seen improvement one year after treatment, with the most progress found in the high-dose group.
The Spin
Narrative A
While groundbreaking cell implant studies are showing promise in attacking devastating Parkinson's cells, groups like the Michael J. Fox Foundation are developing tools to detect the disease earlier on, which is the best way to fight it. While a cure hasn't yet been found, Parkinson's is being researched by brilliant medical and technological innovators who won't stop until they're successful.
Narrative B
Stem cell research has proven effective in only a limited number of studies. Additionally, the US FDA has not approved many stem cell treatments because they've previously led to severe symptoms, such as loss of eyesight. The medical community shouldn't get too excited about this development too soon.
