PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 14-Aug-2014 Contact: Meng Zhao eic@nrren.org 86-138-049-98773 Neural Regeneration Research Stem cell researchers at the Blond McIndoe Laboratory, University of Manchester, UK, led by Dr Adam Reid, present a review of the current literature on the suitability of adipose-derived stem cells in peripheral nerve repair. Injuries to peripheral nerves are common and cause life-changing problems for patients alongside high social and health care costs for society. Current clinical treatment relies on sacrificing a nerve from elsewhere in the body to provide a nerve graft at the injury site, but much work has been done to develop a bioengineered nerve graft that would not require this sacrifice. Stem cells are prime candidates as accelerators of regeneration in these nerve grafts. This prospect, reported in Neural Regeneration Research (Vol. 9, No.14, 2014), presents the current literature on the potential of adipose-derived stem cells as tools to improve nerve regeneration through bioengineered nerve grafts. "Adipose-derived stem cells have the potential to stimulate improved nerve regeneration", stated the authors. "Their incorporation into bioengineered nerve graft treatments could revolutionize the current clinical approach to peripheral nerve repair". ### Article: "Adipose derived stem cells and peripheral nerve regeneration" by Alessandro Faroni, Richard JP Smith, … Continue reading →

Eisai, together with leading doctors and patient groups, are disappointed that the report issued by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has determined no additional benefit for new generation epilepsy treatment Fycompa (perampanel), when compared to conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as defined by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).[1] It is expected that the G-BA will publish their decision after due and balancedconsideration of all relevant aspects of the IQWiG report, written statements and oral hearing, in November 2014. Eisai is confident that the G-BA will take a more flexible, patient-oriented approach to their decision making process which considers both the evidence of perampanel's clinical benefit and the needs of people with poorly controlled epilepsy. Perampanel was approved by the European Commission in 2012 and is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalised seizures, in patients with epilepsy aged 12 years and older.[2] "The report by IQWiG has neglected to take into account the German people with epilepsy who already experience an additional benefit with Fycompa. Considerable real world experience data is available in Germany, and I have personally witnessed and published about the additional benefit this treatment can bring … Continue reading →

Adults with autism are at a higher risk of sexual victimization than adults without, due to lack of sex education, but with improved interventions that focus on sexual knowledge and skill building, the risk could be reduced, according to a recent study by York University researchers. "Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) gain more of their sexual knowledge from external sources such as the internet and the television whereas social sources would include parents, teachers and peers," says Professor Jonathan Weiss in the Faculty of Health and the CIHR Chair in Autism Spectrum Disorders Treatment and Care Research. The study, conducted by Weiss, and clinical developmental psychology PhD candidates Stephanie Brown-Lavoie and Michelle Viecili, found that the lack of sexual knowledge in adults with autism played a role in increasing the risk of sexual victimization -- experiences of sexual coercion, unwanted sexual contact, attempted rape or rape. The researchers used an online survey involving 95 adults with ASD and 117 without, ranging in age from 19 to 43. Of the 95 participants with ASD, 78 per cent reported at least one occurrence of sexual victimization compared to 47.4 per cent of the 117 adults without ASD who participated in the … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON, DC - The Arkansas Childrens Hospital Research Institute is set to receive nearly $300,000 to improve services for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The government funding was announced today by U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressman Tim Griffin. Many parents have told me early awareness and treatment has been life-changing for their children, helping their kids perform better in school and in their daily interactions. This funding provides a significant boost to the services we can provide to Arkansas children, Pryor said. The more we learn about autism, the more we can help the growing number of Arkansas children affected. Thats why I will continue to do all I can to ensure funding for autism research, early treatment and education. Its important that we continue to build on the research efforts for early detection and education to support Arkansas children with autism and their families. This grant is important for Childrens Hospital and the work it does in helping identify the best practices and opportunities to improve the lives of kids living with autism, Boozman said. "While the occurrence and severity of autism symptoms vary widely, many cases go unrecognized, undiagnosed or … Continue reading →