Breakthrough in genetic therapy helps Parkinson’s patients

By Joseph Hall

 

The long thwarted promise of gene therapy for brain disorders has finally been fulfilled with the successful use of an inserted gene to control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a new study says.
For the first time, the insertion of genetic material into human brains has been proven in gold standard medical trials to improve symptoms of a neurological disorder.
Dr. Andrew Feigin, the lead study author, says the research shows genetic therapy – a hollow medical mantra to date — can be used effectively and safely for brain diseases.
“Finally one of these things that looked promising . . . is showing evidence in a (gold standard) study that it actually works,” says Feigin, an associate professor of neurology and molecular medicine at New York’s Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.

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