May 6, 2013 redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online Scientists from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have effectively cured epilepsy in mice by transplanting brain cells into the rodents hippocampus research that they hope could one day be applied to help treat severe forms of the condition in humans. Dr. Scott C. Baraban, who holds the William K. Bowes Jr. Endowed Chair in Neuroscience Research at UCSF, and colleagues took medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cells, which inhibit signaling in overactive nerve circuits, and transplanted them in the area of the brain associated with seizures. While previous research focusing on different cell types proved unsuccessful, Barabans team was able to control the seizures in epileptic mice following the transplantation. The results of their work, which is reportedly the first ever successful attempt to stop seizures in mouse models of adult human epilepsy, were published Sunday in the online edition of the journal Nature Neuroscience. Our results are an encouraging step toward using inhibitory neurons for cell transplantation in adults with severe forms of epilepsy, Baraban, whose work was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, said in a … Continue reading →

WASHINGTON, May 5 -- Epilepsy that does not respond to drugs may be halted by transplanting a specific type of cell into the brain, according to a new study conducted by U.S. researchers and published online on Sunday in the journal Nature Neuroscience. The study, the first ever to report stopping seizures in mouse models of adult human epilepsy, raises hope for a similar treatment in severe forms of the disease. Anti-epileptic drugs and other therapies reduce seizures in about two-thirds of patients. The remaining one-third, however, do not respond to any form of therapy, and those who take drugs can experience harmful side effects. Researchers with the University of California at San Francisco injected new born inhibitory nerve cells called Medial Ganglionic Eminence into the hippocampus in the brains of adult epileptic mice. They found that the treatment eliminated seizures in half of the treated mice and dramatically reduced the number of seizures in the rest. In addition to having fewer seizures, treated mice became less abnormally agitated and less hyperactive. Analysis of the mice brains suggested that the new cells became fully incorporated into the brain regions where they were injected. The researchers said that others had previously … Continue reading →

BioCrea / European approval granted for Pexion(R) - innovative treatment for canine epilepsy discovered by BioCrea, developed and launched by Boehringer Ingelheim . Processed and transmitted by Thomson Reuters ONE. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Radebeul, Germany, May 06, 2013 - BioCrea GmbH (BioCrea), the first-in-class CNS drug discovery specialists validated through pharma partnerships, announced that Pexion(R) (Imepitoin) has been recommended for marketing authorisation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Imepitoin was discovered by Dr Tom Kronbach, Chief Executive Officer at BioCrea, and his team in 1995. Following a 2004 in-licensing agreement, Pexion(R) was further developed and launched by Boehringer Ingelheim. In December 2012, the CVMP adopted a positive opinion to recommend the granting of a marketing authorisation for the veterinary medicinal product Pexion(R) 100mg and 400mg tablets, intended for the reduction of the frequency of generalised seizures due to idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Imepitoin is a centrally acting anti-epileptic substance, which inhibits seizures via potentiation of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory effects on the neurons. In addition, Imepitoin has a weak calcium channel blocking effect. Pexion(R) has been launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in Europe in … Continue reading →

Radebeul, Germany, May 06, 2013 - BioCrea GmbH (BioCrea), the first-in-class CNS drug discovery specialists validated through pharma partnerships, announced that Pexion (Imepitoin) has been recommended for marketing authorisation by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Imepitoin was discovered by Dr Tom Kronbach, Chief Executive Officer at BioCrea, and his team in 1995. Following a 2004 in-licensing agreement, Pexion was further developed and launched by Boehringer Ingelheim. In December 2012, the CVMP adopted a positive opinion to recommend the granting of a marketing authorisation for the veterinary medicinal product Pexion 100mg and 400mg tablets, intended for the reduction of the frequency of generalised seizures due to idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Imepitoin is a centrally acting anti-epileptic substance, which inhibits seizures via potentiation of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory effects on the neurons. In addition, Imepitoin has a weak calcium channel blocking effect. Pexion has been launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in Europe in April 2013. "This recommendation by the CVMP is excellent news for our partner Boehringer Ingelheim and for dog owners, whose pets suffer epilepsy," said Dr Tom Kronbach, Chief Executive Officer of BioCrea GmbH. "Fundamentally, CVMP concluded that Pexion has a favourable … Continue reading →

Washington, May 6 : Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and adult disability, but quickly recognizing the signs of it and seeking immediate medical care from specialists can minimize the effects of the disease or even save a life, say an expert at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Stroke is no longer a disease only of the elderly. Nearly 20 percent of strokes occur in people younger than age 55, and over the past decade, the average age at stroke occurrence has dropped from 71 to 69. Patrick D. Lyden, MD, chair of Neurology and director of the Stroke Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, has revealed "Five Sudden, Severe Symptoms," that could signal the onset of a stroke. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden trouble seeing on one side. Sudden, severe difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. Any of these symptoms can occur in a mild, fleeting way and not be worrisome, but if any one of them comes on suddenly and is quite severe, it could signal the onset of a stroke, … Continue reading →

Editor's Choice Main Category: Stroke Article Date: 03 May 2013 - 11:00 PDT Current ratings for: Recognizing 5 Sudden Symptoms Of Stroke Could Save A Life 5 (2 votes) 5 (1 votes) Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death among Americans, and about 795,000 people are affected by stroke each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stroke is also the main cause of adult disability. Unfortunately, the elderly are no longer the only people affected by stroke. Close to 20% of strokes occur in people younger than age 55. A report from 2011 showed that the rate of stroke among children, teens and young adults in the US has been rising at an alarming rate. The average age for stroke has declined from 71 to 59 over the past 10 years. Patrick D. Lyden, MD, chair of Neurology and director of the Stroke Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, said: The "Five Sudden, Severe Symptoms" of stroke include: It is also critical to stress the words "sudden" and severe" and the number "one". Any of these symptoms can occur in a mild way, lasting for only a short time, and not be … Continue reading →