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Nanotechnology Creates Artificial Artery for Clinical Trials

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by Aaron Saenz on January 5th, 2010
Prof. George Hamilton helped create this new artificial artery using nanotechnology.

George Hamilton helped create this new artificial artery using nanotechnology.

Researchers at London Royal Free Hospital are hoping to save limbs and lives with the creation of their new artificial artery. Unlike current artery replacements, this grafting substance was created using nanotechnology and can pulse with the natural movements of the body. That pulsing will allow the polymer tube to be used in very small grafts (<8mm), giving hope that damaged arteries which would normally lead to amputations or heart attacks can now be treated. According to a recent press release, the Wellcome Trust has given [L]$500,000 to begin clinical trials of the new artificial arteries by the end of 2010. We could see the new polymer arteries in grafts, stints, and other vascular surgeries in the next few years.

Heart and vascular disease is the number one killer in most industrialized nations, and costs countries billions in health care, and lost wages. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, and stem cells are reinvigorating the development of artificial components of the cardiovascular system. We’ve seen hearts grown from stem cells in labs, artificial mechanical hearts, companies spending millions to develop artificial blood, and now even artificial vascular tubes which act more like the real thing. Combined with upcoming advances in robotic and micro-surgery, medicine could be on the path to conquering its public enemy number one.

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Implant that Shocks Brain to Treat Epilepsy in Clinical Trials

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by Aaron Saenz on September 23rd, 2009
Seizures could be stopped by an implant that gently shocks your brain.

Stop seizures with an implant that gently shocks your brain.

The medical uses of electrically shocking your brain have a dubious history and a worse portrayal in movies. One Flew Over A Cuckoo’s Nest certainly didn’t leave viewers rushing to strap electrodes to their head. Yet, the medical industry continues to explore how mild electrical stimulation could help with brain diseases the same way that pacemakers help with heart disease. Neuropace, a company based in Silicon Valley, is in clinical trials with their RNS System. The RNS is a neurostimulator implant that monitors brain activity and shocks select regions to prevent epileptic seizures. Currently in clinical trial, the device represents a new era of healing the brain through electric shock.

Epilepsy affects around 1% of the world’s population (2.5 million or so in the US alone) and can be treated with medications or even surgeries. However, some patients are not good candidates for the epilepsy surgery, and many (Neuropace estimates 40-50%) are dissatisfied with their medications due to side effects or lack of efficacy. The RNS implant could help millions worldwide control or prevent their epileptic seizures. Similar treatments with the same implant could be used for many other neural illnesses.

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Geron Explains Why First Embryonic Stem Cell Clinical Trial is Stalled

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by Aaron Saenz on September 2nd, 2009

Geron's treatment for spinal injury GRNOPC1 is based on embryonic stem cells and is stalled in its clinical trials.

Geron's treatment for spinal injury GRNOPC1 is based on embryonic stem cells and is stalled in its clinical trials.

As if waiting for eight years wasn’t bad enough, we could see another few months pass before the first clinical trials for embryonic stem cells get underway. Geron (Nasdaq: GERN) won FDA approval for these trials back in January. Mid-August saw announced delays, and Geron finally revealed why on August 27th: cysts. As we mentioned before, Geron is looking to create a therapy for spinal cord injuries, and their latest round of animal tests revealed a larger than expected occurrence of small cysts. The official press release points out that these cysts are microscopic, not spreading, and actually fairly common with spinal injuries. Geron is dedicated to working with the FDA to get the trials back on track as soon as possible.

Being the first embryonic stem cell research to get FDA approval for clinical trials means that all eyes are on Geron. This is what people have been dreading/hoping for: that humans will finally see the benefits of the much debated use of stem cells from frozen embryos. It’s the sort of work that Christopher Reeves advertised for and that many pressured George W. Bush to prevent.

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