Katharina Buczek
“Recently, we designed a new gene therapy vector, and by introducing our new therapy to the brains of mice via this vector, we have been able to show we can increase production of p38y only where it is needed,” explained Professor Ittner.
Then, after the mice were treated with the novel gene therapy, the animals who suffered from uncontrolled epilepsy showed a better chance of survival. These mice also displayed significant improvements in behavioral and brain activity.
So, now that the therapy has been tested extensively and rigorously assessed by outside independent labs, the researchers are eager to move into their next phase of work.
“Our next step is to conduct a more detailed pre-clinical evaluation in preparation for clinical trials,” Professor Ittner revealed.
“It is showing tremendous promise as a treatment for acute neurological conditions, and we hope to be able to offer it initially to patients with uncontrolled epilepsy within the next five to seven years.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Science Advances, visit the link here.
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