CNN reports at least 700 patients have died after using Parkinson’s drug to treat disease related psychosis
On April 9, CNN reported hundreds of patients have died while taking the drug Nuplazid, a drug meant to control Parkinson’s disease psychosis. According to the CNN story, hundreds of patients have died while a significant number of other patients are not receiving any benefit from the drug.
The most recent data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported more than 700 people taking Nuplazid have died. It is not clear from the article if the drug is associated with a higher than normal death rate, but Acadia, the company that produces the drug, has stated the deaths among patients taking Nuplazid is lower than the average rate among patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease psychosis.
Approximately 20% of patients with Parkinson’s disease suffer from hallucinations and delusions. Acadia reports the death rate is less than half the normal rate of Parkinson’s patients suffering from psychosis. Regardless, many feel the drug was approved too rapidly, including some members of the FDA that helped approve the drug. CNN reported the FDA committee voted 12-2 in favor of approving Nuplazid for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease psychosis based on only a 6-week trial of only 200 patients.
Researchers interviewed by CNN said the FDA needs to request additional studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of the drug. However, because the drug has already been approved it could take years before any additional action is taken.
Frustration from limited treatment options has led researchers to have an increased focus on stem cell replacement therapy; treatment that may provide long-lasting relief from symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Transplantation of stem cells at sites of neuronal degeneration is a very promising approach for the treatment of different neurological diseases such as Parkinson`s Disease. Treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute, in Costa Rica, could help improve the symptoms of Parkinson´s disease.
Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to repair and regenerate neurons in the brain, reduce levels of free radicals, improve synaptic connection from damaged neurons and regulate inflammation. It is not clear how mesenchymal stem cells perform these functions, but one theory is: injected stem cells are drawn to the injured area where they release trophic factors (molecules that support cell survival) that aid in repairing damaged cells. The trophic factors can suppress the local immune system, form new blood vessels, reduce levels of free radicals, stop the damage occurring to tissue, and increase the recruitment, retention, proliferations and differentiation of stem cells.
The professionals at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute believe in the potential of stem cell therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease contact the stem cell experts at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute to learn more.
The daily non-stop flights from Newark airport to San Jose, Costa Rica make it easy for patients from New York, NY, Jersey City, Newark, Harrison, and Philadelphia to access high quality care at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute.
