Today’s dose has good news all around: a new method for preventing genetic diseases; drug hopes for multiple sclerosis; a win for UK journalists; and for dog lovers, an opportunity to help cancer research.
— UK scientists have developed a technique for replacing human mitochondrial DNA linked to disease. The controversial process involves removing nuclear DNA from an in-vitro fertilized embryo, and then inserting it into an emptied donor egg with the desired mitochondria. Last year, researchers reported that four rhesus macaques were born through such a process and remain healthy. (Reuters)
— Cholesterol-lowering statins could be good for both heart and mind, according to researchers at a meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. A phase 2 trial with 81 multiple sclerosis patients showed that, over the course of a year, 55% of those taking Pfizer’s Lipitor did not develop new brain lesions, compared to 28% of those on placebo (ScienceDaily). Also presented yesterday, a phase 2 trial of Genzyme’s MS drug Campath showed 71% of patients did not experience a relapse or have symptoms worsen over four years, compared to 35% for Merck-Serono’s drug, Rebif. (Reuters)
— The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has dropped its libel suit against science writer Simon Singh, who wrote a 2008 Guardian column that was critical of BCA’s therapeutic claims. Two weeks ago, an appeals court ruled in favor of Singh, allowing him a ‘fair comment’ defense. While BCA says “there are strong grounds for appeal,” it now thinks “the time is right for the matter to draw to a close.” (The Guardian)
— See Spot run, or see Spot’s DNA. The Michigan-based Translational Genomics Research Institute and the Arizona-based Van Andel Research Institute are assembling a Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium that will collect DNA from dog owners and veterinarians. While the consortium will first focus on cancer and how human forms of the disease might relate, there are plans to eventually study neurological disorders, too.
Image by ktylerconk via Flickr Creative Commons