Louisville, KY and San Diego, CA (April 28, 2016) – Summit for Stem Cell has received a $250,000 grant from the National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) to support the development of a patient-specific stem cell therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The Summit research project is directed by Dr. Andrés Bratt-Leal in the lab of Dr. Jeanne Loring at The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, CA.
The aim of of the research is to use a patient’s own skin cells to create normal dopamine-producing neurons that can be returned to the patient without rejection. Dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to areas of the brain that control movement and coordination, is decreased in Parkinson’s when dopamine-producing neurons malfunction or die. This patient-specific therapy has the potential to halt or reverse the damage of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, including ALS.
According to Dr. Paula Grisanti, National Stem Cell Foundation Chairman, “As an organization, we are committed to partnering with strong organizations and building consortiums to get great research through the funding “valley of death” that is too often the fate of promising ideas. We are delighted to make this grant for patient-specific stem cell research that will advance treatment options for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.”
Jenifer Raub, Summit’s Board President, says, “The generous support provided by the National Stem Cell Foundation will advance this research at a critical point and move us closer to FDA-approved clinical trials. We are thrilled by this unique partnership with NSCF.”
About Summit for Stem Cell
Summit for Stem Cell is an all-volunteer organization working to fund research that will directly impact treatment options for the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s disease. Summit is at the vanguard of a unique collaboration between patients, clinicians, scientists, volunteers, patient advocates and the community at large to move innovative research forward in cooperation with The Scripps Research Institute and Scripps Clinic. For more information visit Summit for Stem Cell.
About National Stem Cell Foundation
The National Stem Cell Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funding stem cell and regenerative medicine research and clinical trials in four primary focus areas: Neurodegenerative Disease, Autoimmune Disease, Rare Childhood Disorders and Regenerative Repair. NSCF’s goal is to fund promising developments in the field of regenerative medicine, support research collaboration wherever possible and accelerate access to scientific breakthroughs for people in need.