Japan approves stem-cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease

• Japan has approved ground-breaking stem-cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease with the therapies expected to reach patients within months.

• Pharmaceutical company Sumitomo Pharma received the approval for the manufacture and sale of Amchepry, its Parkinson’s disease treatment that transplants stem cells into a patient's brain.

• Amchepry has now been tested in a small phase trial, which is designed mainly to assess safety.

• This breakthrough is particularly crucial as Parkinson’s disease is one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders globally, and with an aging population, cases in India are projected to rise substantially. 

Key points on Parkinson’s disease:

• Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that causes problems with movement, mental health, sleep, pain and other health issues.

• Parkinson’s disease gets worse over time. There is no cure, but therapies and medicines can reduce symptoms. Common symptoms include painful muscle contractions and difficulty in speaking.

• Parkinson’s disease results in high rates of disability and the need for care. Many people with Parkinson’s disease also develop dementia.

• The disease usually occurs in older people, but younger people can also be affected. Men are affected more often than women.

• The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown but people with a family history of the disease have a higher risk. Exposure to air pollution, pesticides and solvents may increase risk.