13 Feb 2001

A Phase I clinical trial of growth factor gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease is currently in progress at the University of California, San Diego. The Investigators are Mark H. Tuszynski, Leon Thal, and Ben U. In this trial, patients' cells are being genetically engineered to make nerve growth factor (a natural brain protein that prevents cell death in the brain). The cells are then implanted into the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease to determine whether they can prevent the cell death that is characteristic of this disease. Contact information: 858-622-5800. Patients are still being accepted into the trial.—Hakon Heimer