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Novartis, Zurich University Develop Antibody to Treat Paralysis
Novartis AG, Switzerland's largest drugmaker, and researchers at the University of Zurich plan to start human tests for an experimental antibody that aims to treat paralysis.
By Chantal Britt
Researchers led by Martin Schwab plan to enroll 50 to 100 patients in Switzerland and other European countries, the University said today in an e-mailed statement. The antibody aims to bind with the Nogo molecule, which prevents the regeneration of nerve cells.
Rats have successfully been treated with the nogo-antibodies, which should be used as quickly as possible after the accident, the researchers said. The antibodies are aimed at blocking the Nogo protein, allowing the injured nerve cells to grow together.
"This is the most surprising result of our 20-year-old research; they never connect wrong,'' Schwab said in the release. The medical treatment of paralysis has to be accompanied by intensive physiotherapy to help the nerve cells grow, Schwab added.
Schwab together with researchers from Novartis have been developing the antibody over the past three years. The university holds the patents for the therapy, while Novartis has the rights to market a potential product. The researchers are currently conducting safety tests on the antibody in animals.
Novartis AG, Switzerland's largest drugmaker, and researchers at the University of Zurich plan to start human tests for an experimental antibody that aims to treat paralysis.
By Chantal Britt
Researchers led by Martin Schwab plan to enroll 50 to 100 patients in Switzerland and other European countries, the University said today in an e-mailed statement. The antibody aims to bind with the Nogo molecule, which prevents the regeneration of nerve cells.
Rats have successfully been treated with the nogo-antibodies, which should be used as quickly as possible after the accident, the researchers said. The antibodies are aimed at blocking the Nogo protein, allowing the injured nerve cells to grow together.
"This is the most surprising result of our 20-year-old research; they never connect wrong,'' Schwab said in the release. The medical treatment of paralysis has to be accompanied by intensive physiotherapy to help the nerve cells grow, Schwab added.
Schwab together with researchers from Novartis have been developing the antibody over the past three years. The university holds the patents for the therapy, while Novartis has the rights to market a potential product. The researchers are currently conducting safety tests on the antibody in animals.
