Implantable device helps Huntington's

Various studies suggest that certain "neurotrophic factors" could have a significant positive impact on patients suffering from Huntington's disease. Unfortunately, clinical treatment for the disease using these factors is difficult -- these proteins are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, and even if they could, their half-life is extremely short. A team of researchers lead by Jens Tornøe of NsGene A/S, in Denmark, has created a device that overcomes this problem. The solution is in the form of an implant containing cells that produce the neurotrophic factor, contained within a membrane supported by a polymer scaffolding, which allows the factor out and cell nutrients in. "Pre-symptomatic administration of a safe therapeutic treatment providing sustained delay or prevention of disease would be of great benefit to patients," says Dr. Tornøe.