Scientists at a Japanese university will carry out a world-first clinical trial transplanting reprogrammed stem cells into the brains of seven people with Parkinson’s.
Researchers believe the process – which was tested on monkeys last year – will allow the brain to create dopamine to counter the effects of Parkinson’s.
Shinya Yamanaka, who is working on the study and won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for his work with stem cells, said: “We intend to carry on conducting our research carefully, yet expeditiously, in coordination with Kyoto University Hospital, so that new treatment will be brought to patients as soon as possible.”
Researchers are hoping to create a treatment that will be covered by national health insurance in Japan.