Protein Licensed for Use in Stroke Recovery
By Biotechdaily staff writers
Posted on 21 Aug 2002
An exclusive worldwide license to a novel protein that has applications in the treatment of stroke and other neurologic disorders has been granted to ViaCell, Inc. (Boston, MA, USA), a cellular therapy company.Posted on 21 Aug 2002
The protein, dimerized fibroblast growth factor (dFGF), was developed by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). FGFs are proteins responsible for the proliferation and survival of cell types that comprise the cells in many tissues, including brains, vascular system, and muscle. Dimerized FGF is a novel combination of two subunits of FGF protein that have been linked together. Intravenous administration of dFGF has been shown to markedly enhance neurologic recovery in an animal model of stroke, even when given a day or more after the stroke has occurred, says ViaCell Neuroscience, which conducted the research.
"The results to date are very encouraging,” said Seth Finklestein, M.D., head of ViaCell Neuroscience and vice president of ViaCell, Inc. "We believe dFGF is an important protein that has the potential to be a breakthrough therapy for stroke and other neurologic defects.”
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