Stem Cell

Manipal Hospital Uses Stem Cell to Cure PD

Manipal Hospital, Bangalore claimed of having discovered stem cells that help in recovery of a patient suffering from Parkinson's Disease (PD). Manipal used the benefits of stem cell research and helped US national Andrew Kisana get a new hope.

Andrew, who was suffering from PD for more than 15 years, came to Manipal Hospital as a last resort after having undergone treatment in US hospitals. After stem cell therapy last year, Andrew has shown remarkable recovery in his symptom as he has started walking without support, there has been significant reduction in the tremors and above all, he has a feeling of well being and personal comfort. His medication for PD has been withdrawn since the last months. This successful recovery of Andrew, will give new hope to many others suffering from debilitating Parkinson's disease.

"The successful clinical outcomes have given us the confidence to share the outcome with a greater number of people" - R Basil, MD and CEO, Manipal Health System

Said R Basil, MD and CEO, Manipal Health System, "The successful clinical outcomes from our stem cell research programme have given us the confidence to share this new hope with the public at large so that a greater number of people can participate in the clinical research for getting relief from major diseases and disabilities."

Led by the Chief Scientific Officer of Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, Dr Satish Totey, a team of accomplished stem cell research clinicians will be exploring the full ability of stem cells to address certain diseases and disabilities with limited possibilities of recovery as of today and offer a new hope. The Stem Cell Research Center's goal is to develop stem cell based therapeutics, using human adult stem cells.

Dr NK Venkataramana, HOD, Neurosurgery, who has been treating Andrew Kisana, presented his case and about the remarkable recovery. While delivering his presentation, Dr Venkataramana said, "Stem cell research seems to be promising in regenerating hope to cure PD. This will motivate innumerable patients across the world to explore this new modality. However, we need to observe the long-term clinical effects in large number of patients to decide its role in the treatment of the degenerative diseases."

According to Dr Nagendra Swamy, Group Director- Medical Services, Manipal Health Systems, "Stem cell research has attracted wide attention from all medical fields in the world. The research involving human pluripotent stem cells promises new treatment and possible hope for many devastating diseases. This research Centre will promote cutting edge research which can be translated into clinical applications. This would support the in treating the diseases affecting heart, brain, liver, kidney, bone, spinal cord and vascular. This promises to be the future of medicine in coming years and Manipal is proud to be a leader in this science."

PD typically affects people over the age of 50. The primary treatment of the disease at best removes some of the symptoms but does not stop the progression of the disease.

EH News Bureau