The medical procedure involves transplanting millions of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells directly into the brain of the patient.
Japanese regulators granted conditional approval for this specific therapy in March. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are estimated to live with the condition. Seven patients between the ages of 50 and 69 participated in the clinical trial to receive the experimental treatment.
Doctors implanted either 5 million or 10 million cells into both sides of each participant's brain. Researchers monitored the participants for a period of two years and reported no major adverse effects. Four of the seven patients in the study experienced improvements in their symptoms.
Sumitomo Pharma intends to perform transplants on 20 to 30 patients by March 2029. Japanese media reported that the therapy could receive full approval in Japan if its safety and effectiveness are confirmed over the next seven years.
