CONy 2022 | Ex vivo gene therapy for neurodegenerative diseases

As neurons are formed and connected before birth, replacing neurons can be challenging especially when improper connections can result in seizures. Clive Svendsen, PhD, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, provides an overview of his research on utilizing stem cells to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Focusing on astrocytes can result in the rejuvenation of existing neurons and a novel glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-based protein therapy in conjunction with astrocyte stem cells has demonstrated promising efficacy in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. This interview was conducted during the 2022 World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) meeting.