Anyone who knows someone afflicted with a neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's is aware of its devastating effects on not only the victim, but family members and friends as well.  Stem cell research has enabled physicians and researchers to produce, what are called glial derived nuerotrophic factor, also known as GDNF, promising treatment for those afflicted with such neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies have shown that when dopamine levels in the brain are depleted, a patient is more likely to acquire Parkinson's. While current treatment of such diseases provides limited benefits, researchers from around the globe are considering cell and gene therapy for the replacement and enhancement of those neurons that have been depleted.

Professor Melamed, Scientific Advisory Board Chairman, says, "Neurologists have long thought that GDNF can be used to preserve and maintain the integrity of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. We believe that our approach, based on neural transplantation of stem cell derived GDNF producing cells, without any genetic manipulation, is preferable."

Dr. Daniel Offen, Chief Scientist of the Scientific Advisory Board says, "The use of a patient's own bone marrow stem cells to generate neural cells for replacement and support of a patient's damaged dopaminergic cells is a strategy that will avoid problems of immunological rejection."

While arguments regarding stem cell research will more than likely continue, medical benefits being discovered through stem cell research and development may likely provide drastically improved quality of living, and perhaps even cures for many diseases and illnesses suffered around the world today.