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Solovyeva O, Dimairo M, Weir CJ, Hee SW, Espinasse A, Ursino M, Patel D, Kightley A, Hughes S, Jaki T, Mander A, Evans TRJ, Lee S, Hopewell S, Rantell KR, Chan AW, Bedding A, Stephens R, Richards D, Roberts L, Kirkpatrick J, de Bono J, Yap C. Development of consensus-driven SPIRIT and CONSORT extensions for early phase dose-finding trials: the DEFINE study. BMC Med 2023; 21:246. [PMID: 37408015 PMCID: PMC10324137 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early phase dose-finding (EPDF) trials are crucial for the development of a new intervention and influence whether it should be investigated in further trials. Guidance exists for clinical trial protocols and completed trial reports in the SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines, respectively. However, both guidelines and their extensions do not adequately address the characteristics of EPDF trials. Building on the SPIRIT and CONSORT checklists, the DEFINE study aims to develop international consensus-driven guidelines for EPDF trial protocols (SPIRIT-DEFINE) and reports (CONSORT-DEFINE). METHODS The initial generation of candidate items was informed by reviewing published EPDF trial reports. The early draft items were refined further through a review of the published and grey literature, analysis of real-world examples, citation and reference searches, and expert recommendations, followed by a two-round modified Delphi process. Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) was pursued concurrently with the quantitative and thematic analysis of Delphi participants' feedback. RESULTS The Delphi survey included 79 new or modified SPIRIT-DEFINE (n = 36) and CONSORT-DEFINE (n = 43) extension candidate items. In Round One, 206 interdisciplinary stakeholders from 24 countries voted and 151 stakeholders voted in Round Two. Following Round One feedback, one item for CONSORT-DEFINE was added in Round Two. Of the 80 items, 60 met the threshold for inclusion (≥ 70% of respondents voted critical: 26 SPIRIT-DEFINE, 34 CONSORT-DEFINE), with the remaining 20 items to be further discussed at the consensus meeting. The parallel PPIE work resulted in the development of an EPDF lay summary toolkit consisting of a template with guidance notes and an exemplar. CONCLUSIONS By detailing the development journey of the DEFINE study and the decisions undertaken, we envision that this will enhance understanding and help researchers in the development of future guidelines. The SPIRIT-DEFINE and CONSORT-DEFINE guidelines will allow investigators to effectively address essential items that should be present in EPDF trial protocols and reports, thereby promoting transparency, comprehensiveness, and reproducibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION SPIRIT-DEFINE and CONSORT-DEFINE are registered with the EQUATOR Network ( https://www.equator-network.org/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Munyaradzi Dimairo
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christopher J Weir
- Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siew Wan Hee
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
- University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Moreno Ursino
- Inserm, Centre de Recherche Des Cordeliers, Sorbonne UniversitéUniversité Paris Cité, 75006, Paris, France
- HeKA, Inria Paris, 75015, Paris, France
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, AP-HP, CHU Robert Debré, CIC-EC 1426, Paris, France
- RECaP/F-CRIN, Inserm, 5400, Nancy, France
| | | | - Andrew Kightley
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Lead, Lichfield, UK
| | | | - Thomas Jaki
- MRC Biostatistics Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Shing Lee
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
| | - Sally Hopewell
- Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - An-Wen Chan
- Department of Medicine, Women's College Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Johann de Bono
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Emborg ME. Reframing the perception of outliers and negative data in translational research. Brain Res Bull 2023; 192:203-207. [PMID: 36464129 PMCID: PMC9891652 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Negative results can be a source of disappointment for scientists, yet their publication is needed for scientific progress, in particular for cutting-edge translational research of novel therapeutics. This manuscript is directed to scientists, junior and senior, that produce and review data for publication. It discusses the difference between 'negative' or 'unexpected' data and 'useless' data, re-evaluates the importance of the experimental design to generate valuable data and proposes strategies to work with and report negative results. Overall, it aims to reframe the perception of working with, reporting and reviewing unexpected data as an opportunity to provide rationale for innovative ideas, prevent the misuse of limited resources and, ultimately, strengthen the reputation of a scientist.
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Bunnik EM, de Jongh D, Massey E. Ethics of Early Clinical Trials of Bio-Artificial Organs. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10621. [PMID: 35874305 PMCID: PMC9297460 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is the new frontier in the field of organ transplantation. Research groups around the world are using regenerative medicine technologies to develop bio-artificial organs for transplantation into human patients. While most of this research is still at the preclinical stage, bio-artificial organ technologies are gearing up for first-in-human clinical trials in the not-too-distant future. What are the ethical conditions under which early-phase clinical research of bio-artificial organs can be conducted safely and responsibly? What lessons can be learned from prior experiences with early-phase clinical trials in adjacent fields of research? This is a Meeting Report of an online international workshop organised in the context of the Horizon 2020-funded VANGUARD project, which is developing a bio-artificial pancreas for the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes.
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de Melo-Martín I, Holtzman M, Hacker KS. "I Want to Do It, But I Want to Make Sure That I Do It Right." Views of Patients with Parkinson's Disease Regarding Early Stem Cell Clinical Trial Participation. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2020; 11:160-171. [PMID: 32516056 PMCID: PMC8212889 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2020.1775721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: First-in-human clinical trials with stem cells for Parkinson's disease (PD) are on the horizon. Their epistemic success depends on ensuring the participation of a sufficient number and appropriately diverse group of patients with PD. Their ethical soundness requires that the research community ensures that subjects' decisions about whether to participate or not are consistent with participants' values, motivations, and goals. We sought to identify PD patients' knowledge, concerns, and expectations regarding early-phase stem cell research in PD. Methods: We conducted five semi-structured focus groups with patients with PD. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify participants' knowledge, concerns, and expectations regarding participation in early stem cell clinical research in PD. Results: Four themes were generated from our data analysis: (1) participants' skepticism about the potential benefits of these trials; (2) their desire to obtain information about various aspects related to this research; (3) a recognition that accessing available knowledge was often difficult; and (4) the relevance of trusting relationships with various stakeholders. Conclusions: Participants expressed skepticism about the immediate impact of stem cell research. Nonetheless, such skepticism often reflected an appropriate consideration of the risks and potential benefits of participating in high-risk clinical trials. Despite their skepticism, participants were eager to learn more about stem cell research and clinical trials processes. They identified consistently trusted avenues of knowledge on these topics, but they often found it difficult to access relevant information or to determine its value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada de Melo-Martín
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Division of Medical Ethics, 407 E.61st St., RR-212, New York, NY 10065
| | - Michael Holtzman
- The New School for Social Research, Psychology Department, 80 Fifth Avenue, 6 Floor, New York, NY 10011
| | - Katrina S. Hacker
- The New School for Social Research, Psychology Department, 80 Fifth Avenue, 6 Floor, New York, NY 10011
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Bhalerao A, Sivandzade F, Archie SR, Chowdhury EA, Noorani B, Cucullo L. In vitro modeling of the neurovascular unit: advances in the field. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:22. [PMID: 32178700 PMCID: PMC7077137 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental component of the central nervous system. Its functional and structural integrity is vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. On the other hand, the BBB is also a major hindering obstacle for the delivery of effective therapies to treat disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over time, various model systems have been established to simulate the complexities of the BBB. The development of realistic in vitro BBB models that accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the brain microcapillaries in situ is of fundamental importance not only in CNS drug discovery but also in translational research. Successful modeling of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) would provide an invaluable tool that would aid in dissecting out the pathological factors, mechanisms of action, and corresponding targets prodromal to the onset of CNS disorders. The field of BBB in vitro modeling has seen many fundamental changes in the last few years with the introduction of novel tools and methods to improve existing models and enable new ones. The development of CNS organoids, organ-on-chip, spheroids, 3D printed microfluidics, and other innovative technologies have the potential to advance the field of BBB and NVU modeling. Therefore, in this review, summarize the advances and progress in the design and application of functional in vitro BBB platforms with a focus on rapidly advancing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Sabrina Rahman Archie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA. .,Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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Stoessl AJ. Deception and the ethics of placebo. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 153:147-163. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Fernandes JG, Franco NH, Grierson AJ, Hultgren J, Furley AJW, Olsson IAS. Methodological standards, quality of reporting and regulatory compliance in animal research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review. BMJ OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 3:e000016. [PMID: 35047680 PMCID: PMC8715942 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2018-000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research community was one of the first to adopt methodology guidelines to improve preclinical research reproducibility. We here present the results of a systematic review to investigate how the standards in this field changed over the 10-year period during which the guidelines were first published (2007) and updated (2010). Methods We searched for papers reporting ALS research on SOD1 (superoxide dismutase 1) mice published between 2005 and 2015 on the ISI Web of Science database, resulting in a sample of 569 papers to review, after triage. Two scores-one for methodological quality, one for regulatory compliance-were built from weighted sums of separate sets of items, and subjected to multivariable regression analysis, to assess how these related to publication year, type of study, country of origin and journal. Results Reporting standards improved over time. Of papers published after the first ALS guidelines were made public, fewer than 9% referred specifically to these. Of key research parameters, only three (genetic background, number of transgenes and group size) were reported in >50% of the papers. Information on housing conditions, randomisation and blinding was absent in over two-thirds of the papers. Group size was among the best reported parameters, but the majority reported using fewer than the recommended sample size and only two studies clearly justified group size. Conclusions General methodological standards improved gradually over a period of 8-10 years, but remained generally comparable with related fields with no specific guidelines, except with regard to severity. Only 11% of ALS studies were classified in the highest severity level (animals allowed to reach death or moribund stages), substantially below the proportion in studies of comparable neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's. The existence of field-specific guidelines, although a welcome indication of concern, seems insufficient to ensure adherence to high methodological standards. Other mechanisms may be required to improve methodological and welfare standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana G Fernandes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno H Franco
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andrew J Grierson
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jan Hultgren
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - Andrew J W Furley
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - I Anna S Olsson
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Hug K, Johansson M. Challenges to Informed Consent in First-In-Human Trials Involving Novel Treatments: A Case Study of Parkinson's Disease. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2017; 7:695-702. [PMID: 29103049 PMCID: PMC5676862 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-171141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Obtaining informed consent in clinical trials can be challenging both for researchers and for patients, albeit in different ways. The challenge concerns not only how to provide the needed information, but also what information to focus on when dealing with individual patients who have different goals, needs, histories, etc. This paper aims to contribute to a better informed consent process for Parkinson’s patients taking part in first-in-human clinical trials of cell replacement therapies. It outlines a range of problems which patients and researchers may face in this process and provides practical advice to researchers engaged in such trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Hug
- Medical Ethics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mats Johansson
- Medical Ethics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Zeiss CJ, Allore HG, Beck AP. Established patterns of animal study design undermine translation of disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171790. [PMID: 28182759 PMCID: PMC5300282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation of disease-modifying therapies in neurodegenerative disease has been disappointing. Parkinson's disease (PD) was used to compare patterns of preclinical study design for symptomatic and potentially disease-modifying interventions. We examined the relationship of model, intervention type and timing, outcomes and outcome measures in 543 animal and human studies (1973-2015) across a contemporary cohort of animal and human interventional studies (n = 445), animal studies for approved interventions (n = 28), animal and human studies for those that failed to translate (n = 70). Detailed study design data were collected for 216 studies in non-human primate (NHP) and rodent toxin-induced models. Species-specific patterns of study design prevailed regardless of whether interventions were symptomatic or potentially disease-modifying. In humans and NHPs, interventions were typically given to both sexes well after the PD phenotype was established, and clinical outcome measures were collected at single (symptomatic) or multiple (disease-modifying) time-points. In rodents, interventions often preceded induction of the model, acute toxic protocols were common, usually given to young males, clinical outcome measures were used less commonly, and outcomes were less commonly assessed at multiple time points. These patterns were more prevalent in mice than rats. In contrast, study design factors such as randomization and blinding did not differ appreciably across symptomatic and disease-modifying intervention categories. The translational gap for potentially disease-modifying interventions in PD in part results from study designs, particularly in mice, that fail to model the progressive nature and relatively late intervention characteristic of PD, or that anchor mechanistic and neuropathologic data to longitudinal clinical outcomes. Even if measures to improve reproducibility are broadly adopted, perpetuation of these norms will continue to impede effective translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline J. Zeiss
- Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Heather G. Allore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Amanda P. Beck
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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Dresser R. First-in-human HIV-remission studies: reducing and justifying risk. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2017; 43:78-81. [PMID: 27143494 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2015-103115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Interest and excitement surround the possibility of developing measures that produce sustained or permanent HIV remission in infected individuals. First-in-human (FIH) trials are one step in exploring this possibility. Initial human trials raise the usual ethical issues associated with human research, and a set of distinct issues. Because the potential direct benefits to FIH trial volunteers will be either small or non-existent, trial risks must be justified by the social value of the information the trials are expected to produce. To minimise and justify risks, researchers must have solid preclinical evidence that FIH trials will be safe and produce information relevant to human health improvements. Researchers must also adopt adequate study safeguards to protect FIH subjects. An ethically defensible study population must be selected as well.
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11
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Habets MGJL, van Delden JJM, Bredenoord AL. Studying the lay of the land: views and experiences of professionals in the translational pluripotent stem cell field. Regen Med 2015; 11:63-71. [PMID: 26679636 DOI: 10.2217/rme.15.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The inherent uncertainty of first-in-human trials, combined with the technical complexity of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), makes early phase PSC studies ethically challenging. Conducting parallel bioethics research based on experiences and views of professionals in the stem cell field is therefore important. MATERIALS & METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with various stakeholders to get a lay of the land of ethical issues professionals find relevant to the translation of PSCs. RESULTS We identified four themes in the interviews: the uniqueness of PSCs, the suitability of the current research paradigm, the justification for early phase PSC studies and the involvement of patients and research participants. CONCLUSION We conclude that a debate should take place discussing the suitability of the current research paradigm for translational PSC studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G J L Habets
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J M van Delden
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelien L Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Primary Care & Health Services, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Vermilyea SC, Emborg ME. α-Synuclein and nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease. J Neurosci Methods 2015; 255:38-51. [PMID: 26247888 PMCID: PMC4604057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) leading to the formation of insoluble intracellular aggregates named Lewy bodies is proposed to have a significant role in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. Nonhuman primate (NHP) models of PD have proven essential for understanding the neurobiological basis of the disease and for the preclinical evaluation of first-in-class and invasive therapies. In addition to neurotoxin, aging and intracerebral gene transfer models, a new generation of models using inoculations of α-syn formulations, as well as transgenic methods is emerging. Understanding of their advantages and limitations will be essential when choosing a platform to evaluate α-syn-related pathology and interpreting the test results of new treatments targeting α-syn aggregation. In this review we aim to provide insight on this issue by critically analyzing the differences in endogenous α-syn, as well as α-syn pathology in PD and PD NHP models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Vermilyea
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States.
| | - Marina E Emborg
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715, United States.
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Yeates JW. Ethical principles for novel therapies in veterinary practice. J Small Anim Pract 2015; 57:67-73. [PMID: 26508035 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present insights to aid decision-making about novel veterinary treatments from regulations concerning animal experimentation and human clinical medical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS EU Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and EU Regulation 536/2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use were analysed, evaluated and "translated" into relevant principles for veterinary surgeons. RESULTS A number of principles are relevant, relating to treatment expectations, thresholds and objectives; client consent; minimising harms; personnel; review committees; assessment and publication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These principles should assist veterinary surgeons to make good ethical decisions about novel treatments.
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14
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Phillips KA, Bales KL, Capitanio JP, Conley A, Czoty PW, ‘t Hart BA, Hopkins WD, Hu SL, Miller LA, Nader MA, Nathanielsz PW, Rogers J, Shively CA, Voytko ML. Why primate models matter. Am J Primatol 2014; 76:801-27. [PMID: 24723482 PMCID: PMC4145602 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research involving nonhuman primates (NHPs) has played a vital role in many of the medical and scientific advances of the past century. NHPs are used because of their similarity to humans in physiology, neuroanatomy, reproduction, development, cognition, and social complexity-yet it is these very similarities that make the use of NHPs in biomedical research a considered decision. As primate researchers, we feel an obligation and responsibility to present the facts concerning why primates are used in various areas of biomedical research. Recent decisions in the United States, including the phasing out of chimpanzees in research by the National Institutes of Health and the pending closure of the New England Primate Research Center, illustrate to us the critical importance of conveying why continued research with primates is needed. Here, we review key areas in biomedicine where primate models have been, and continue to be, essential for advancing fundamental knowledge in biomedical and biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A. Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio TX 78212
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio TX
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis CA 95616
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis CA 95616
| | - John P. Capitanio
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis CA 95616
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis CA 95616
| | - Alan Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis CA 95616
| | - Paul W. Czoty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC 27157
| | - Bert A. ‘t Hart
- Department of Immunobiology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, Rijswick, The Netherlands
| | - William D. Hopkins
- Neuroscience Institute and Language Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta GA 30302
- Division of Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta GA 30030
| | - Shiu-Lok Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle WA
| | - Lisa A. Miller
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis CA 95616
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis CA 95616
| | - Michael A. Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC 27157
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio TX 78229
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, WI
| | - Carol A. Shively
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC 27157
| | - Mary Lou Voytko
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC 27157
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Finder SG, Bliton MJ, Gill CE, Davis TL, Konrad PE, David Charles P. Potential Subjects’ Responses to an Ethics Questionnaire in a Phase I Study of Deep Brain Stimulation in Early Parkinson’s Disease. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1086/jce201223302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ohshima-Hosoyama S, Simmons HA, Goecks N, Joers V, Swanson CR, Bondarenko V, Velotta R, Brunner K, Wood LD, Hruban RH, Emborg ME. A monoclonal antibody-GDNF fusion protein is not neuroprotective and is associated with proliferative pancreatic lesions in parkinsonian monkeys. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39036. [PMID: 22745701 PMCID: PMC3380056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor that has neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and has been proposed as a PD therapy. GDNF does not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), and requires direct intracerebral delivery to be effective. Trojan horse technology, in which GDNF is coupled to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the human insulin receptor (HIR), has been proposed to allow GDNF BBB transport (ArmaGen Technologies Inc.). In this study we tested the feasibility of HIRMAb-GDNF to induce neuroprotection in parkinsonian monkeys, as well as its tolerability and safety. Adult rhesus macaques were assessed throughout the study with a clinical rating scale, a computerized fine motor skills task and general health evaluations. Following baseline measurements, the animals received a unilateral intracarotid artery MPTP injection. Seven days later the animals were evaluated, matched according to disability and blindly assigned to receive twice a week iv. treatments (vehicle, 1 or 5 mg/kg HIRmAb-GDNF) for a period of three months. HIRmAb-GDNF did not improve parkinsonian motor symptoms and induced a dose-dependent hypersensitivity reaction. Quantification of dopaminergic striatal optical density and stereological nigral cell counts did not demonstrate differences between treatment groups. Focal pancreatic acinar to ductular metaplasia (ADM) was noted in four of seven animals treated with 1 mg/kg HIRmAb-GDNF; two of four with ADM also had focal pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia 1B (PanIN-1B) lesions. Minimal to mild, focal to multifocal, nonsuppurative myocarditis was noted in all animals in the 5 mg/kg treatment group. Our results demonstrate that HIRmAb-GDNF dosing in a monkey model of PD is not an effective neuroprotective strategy and may present serious health risks that should be considered when planning future use of the IR antibody as a carrier, or of any systemic treatment of a GDNF-containing molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Ohshima-Hosoyama
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Simmons
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nichole Goecks
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Valerie Joers
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christine R. Swanson
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Viktoriya Bondarenko
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Velotta
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kevin Brunner
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Laura D. Wood
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ralph H. Hruban
- Department of Pathology, The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marina E. Emborg
- Preclinical Parkinson’s Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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de Melo-Martín I, Sondhi D, Crystal RG. Novel therapies, high-risk pediatric research, and the prospect of benefit: learning from the ethical disagreements. Mol Ther 2012; 20:1095-102. [PMID: 22652997 PMCID: PMC3369294 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2012.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada de Melo-Martín
- Division of Medical Ethics, Department of Public Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dolan Sondhi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald G Crystal
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Kimmelman J, Duckworth K, Ramsay T, Voss T, Ravina B, Emborg ME. Risk of surgical delivery to deep nuclei: a meta-analysis. Mov Disord 2011; 26:1415-21. [PMID: 21574186 DOI: 10.1002/mds.23770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Many novel strategies aimed at neuroprotection or neurorestoration involve surgical delivery of agents to deep nuclei along multiple trajectories. Using intracerebral hemorrhage on a per-trajectory basis as our primary end point, we quantified the level of surgical risk associated with agent delivery to deep nuclei. Secondarily, we quantified other event rates and examined relationships between intracerebral hemorrhage and 8 variables related to patient and practice characteristics. Meta-analytic techniques were used to pool complication rates reported in published articles involving deep brain stimulator electrode implantation or infusion of vectors, tissues, or trophic factors. One hundred nine studies were included in our analysis, comprising 6237 patients and 9890 trajectories to deep nuclei. The estimated per-trajectory intracerebral hemorrhage rate was 1.57% (95% confidence interval, 1.26%-1.95%). The proportion of trajectories leading to permanent or serious neurological deficits was 0.41% (0.28%-0.60%). The estimated mortality rate per trajectory was 0.14% (0.07%-0.29%). No relationship between intracerebral hemorrhage and sex, age, duration of disease, or exclusion of patients with surgical complications was observed; a significant positive relationship was observed with the use of microelectrode recording and a significant negative relationship with putamenal delivery. Our results show a significant difference in intracerebral hemorrhage rates between inoculations and electrode implantation. Our findings suggest that studies involving multiple trajectories to deep nuclei involve a high level of risk. However, inoculations may be significantly safer than electrode implantation. Our analysis has implications for the ethics of preclinical research, independent review of risk, subject selection, and adverse event reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kimmelman
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, Department of Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kimmelman
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, Department of Social
Studies of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alex John London
- Department of Philosophy, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Emborg ME, Joers V, Fisher R, Brunner K, Carter V, Ross C, Raghavan R, Brady M, Raschke J, Kubota K, Alexander A. Intraoperative intracerebral MRI-guided navigation for accurate targeting in nonhuman primates. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:1587-97. [PMID: 20587170 DOI: 10.3727/096368910x514323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During in vivo intracerebral infusions, the ability to perform accurate targeting towards a 3D-specific point allows control of the anatomical variable and identification of the effects of variations in other factors. Intraoperative MRI navigation systems are currently being used in the clinic, yet their use in nonhuman primates and MRI monitoring of intracerebral infusions has not been reported. In this study rhesus monkeys were placed in a MRI-compatible stereotaxic frame. T1 MRIs in the three planes were obtained in a 3.0T GE scanner to identify the target and plan the trajectory to ventral postcommisural putamen. A craniotomy was performed under sterile surgical conditions at the trajectory entry point. A modified MRI-compatible trajectory guide base (Medtronic Inc.) was secured above the cranial opening and the alignment stem applied. Scans were taken to define the position of the alignment stem. When the projection of the catheter in the three planes matched the desired trajectory to the target, the base was locked in position. A catheter replaced the alignment stem and was slowly introduced to the final target structure. Additional scans were performed to confirm trajectory and during the infusion of a solution of gadoteridol (ProHance, Bracco Diagnostics; 2 mM/L) and bromophenol blue (0.16 mg/ml) in saline. Monitoring of the pressure in the infusion lines was performed using pressure monitoring and infusion pump controller system (Engineering Resources Group Inc.) in combination with a MRI-compatible infusion pump (Harvard). MRI during infusion confirmed successful targeting and matched postmortem visualization of bromophenol blue. Assessment of the accuracy of the targeting revealed an overall 3D mean ± SD distance error of 1.2 ± 0.6 mm and angular distance error of 0.9 ± 0.5 mm. Our results in nonhuman primates confirm the accuracy of intraoperative MRI intracerebral navigation combined with an adaptable, pivot point-based targeting system and validates its use for preclinical intracerebral procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina E Emborg
- Preclinical Parkinson's Research Program, Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
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London AJ, Kimmelman J, Emborg ME. Research ethics. Beyond access vs. protection in trials of innovative therapies. Science 2010; 328:829-30. [PMID: 20466907 PMCID: PMC4516403 DOI: 10.1126/science.1189369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Review of first-in-human trials should aim to safeguard the integrity of the scientific enterprise through a focus on pre-clinical and clinical study quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex John London
- Dept. of Philosophy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Jonathan Kimmelman
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QB H3A 1X1 Canada
| | - Marina Elena Emborg
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center and Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA
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van der Worp HB, Howells DW, Sena ES, Porritt MJ, Rewell S, O'Collins V, Macleod MR. Can animal models of disease reliably inform human studies? PLoS Med 2010; 7:e1000245. [PMID: 20361020 PMCID: PMC2846855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 835] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
H. Bart van der Worp and colleagues discuss the controversies and possibilities of translating the results of animal experiments into human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bart van der Worp
- Department of Neurology, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Anderson JA, Kimmelman J. Extending clinical equipoise to phase 1 trials involving patients: unresolved problems. KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL 2010; 20:75-98. [PMID: 20506695 PMCID: PMC4482670 DOI: 10.1353/ken.0.0307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding requirements for scientific/social value and risk/benefit proportionality in major research ethics policies, there are no widely accepted standards for these judgments in Phase 1 trials. This paper examines whether the principle of clinical equipoise can be used as a standard for assessing the ratio of risk to direct-benefit presented by drugs administered in one category of Phase 1 study--first-in-human trials involving patients. On the basis of the supporting evidence for, and architecture of, Phase 1 studies, the articles offers two provisional conclusions: (1) the risks of drug administration in such trials cannot generally be justified on therapeutic grounds but by appeal to the social value of the research; and (2) a framework for adjudicating the ratio of risk/social-value must be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Anderson
- Biomedical Ethics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
Stem cells, as subjects of study for use in treating neurological diseases, are envisioned as a replacement for lost neurons and glia, a means of trophic support, a therapeutic vehicle, and, more recently, a tool for in vitro modeling to understand disease and to screen and personalize treatments. In this review we analyze the requirements of stem cell-based therapy for clinical translation, advances in stem cell research toward clinical application for neurological disorders, and different animal models used for analysis of these potential therapies. We focus on Parkinson's disease (typically defined by the progressive loss of dopaminergic nigral neurons), stroke (neurodegeneration associated with decreased blood perfusion in the brain), and multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder that generates demyelination, axonal damage, astrocytic scarring, and neurodegeneration in the brain and spinal cord). We chose these disorders for their diversity and the number of people affected by them. An additional important consideration was the availability of multiple animal models in which to test stem cell applications for these diseases. We also discuss the relationship between the limited number of systematic stem cell studies performed in animals, in particular nonhuman primates and the delayed progress in advancing stem cell therapies to clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie L Joers
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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