Volunteer Transplant Study new phone number

[BSCHIRLOFF@xxxxxxx]

Date: =09Tuesday, June 2, 1998 3:55:38 PM
From: =09pan@xxxxxxxxx        Mike Claeys
Subj: =09 Genzyme Correction
For additional info please contact Mike Claeys,  Parkinson Action Network=




"Since I originally posted this Genzyme press release, they have had to

change the 800 number.  Genzyme regrets any inconvenience or confusion

the incorrect telephone number may have caused.  The release below

contains the correct toll-free number.



Volunteers Needed to Participate in a Parkinson=92s Transplantation Study



Volunteer patients are needed for a clinical trial to evaluate an

investigational therapy for the treatment of Parkinson=92s disease.  The

therapy under investigation involves the transplantation of fetal

porcine (pig) brain cells into the areas of the brain that control

movement.



The results of an ongoing Phase I study sponsored by Diacrin Inc. and

Genzyme Tissue Repair in 10 evaluable patients with Parkinson=92s disease

showed a favorable safety profile and provided preliminary evidence of

effectiveness which was measured as an improvement in the performance of



an variety of movements as measured by the unified Parkinson=92s Disease

Rating Scale, a standard clinical rating measure.



The first of three Phase II/III trials will measure the effects of

porcine fetal cells surgically implanted into both sides of the brain in



advanced Parkinson=92s disease patients.  In this first trial, patients

will receive cyclosporin and the safety of transplanted porcine cells

and their effects on Parkinson=92s disease symptoms will be compared to a

control group that will not receive porcine cell transplantation.  The

total number of patients required is 36.  Patients enrolled in the

control groups will be offered the opportunity to receive fetal porcine

cells following completion of the trial.



This study will last approximately 21 months.  Study participants must

be willing and able to travel to the recruitment sites for frequent

clinical evaluations, and to the surgical and neuroimaging study

centers.  Each participant in the study must:



=B7 Be 40-70 years old (male or female)



=B7 Have had idiopathic Parkinson=92s disease for at least 5 years (from

onset of symptoms)



=B7 Be responsive to L-Dopa



=B7 Have fluctuations in response to medication (dyskinesias and

off-periods)



=B7 Not have had prior brain surgery



Study centers are located in Tampa, Florida; Altanta, Georgia and

Boston, Massachusetts.  Interested participants are encouraged to

discuss the study with the physician contact and Physician and Patient

Services at 1-800-285-2556 to request additional information to assess

suitability for participation in this trial."





From: "Parkinson's Action Network" <pan@xxxxxxxxx>
Reply-To: pan@xxxxxxxxx
Organization: Parkinson's Action Network
Subject: Genzyme Correction