Breakthrough Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Parkinson’s Disease Patients in China
Hefei, China – A team of Chinese scientists is reporting significant progress in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with a novel stem cell therapy, offering new hope for those living with the debilitating neurological condition. Researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei have developed a regenerative treatment that efficiently converts stem cells into functional cells, demonstrating a conversion rate exceeding 80 percent – significantly higher than the approximately 50 percent reported by leading international teams.
The therapy focuses on replenishing lost dopaminergic neurons, a key factor in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. A Phase I clinical trial, initiated mid-2023, involving six patients has yielded encouraging results, with participants exhibiting rapid symptom improvement and a significant, sustained increase in dopamine signaling in the brain.
One trial participant,a 37-year-old woman identified only as Li,who began experiencing motor control loss at age 22,has reportedly achieved a functional cure and returned to a normal life within three months of receiving the treatment.
“Our collaborative team achieved a rate of over 80 per cent through a series of efforts,” stated neurology specialist Shi Jiong, leading the research team. while Parkinson’s disease currently has no known cure, this advancement represents a major step forward in potential treatment options.