LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2005)
WHO: UK researchers, physicians and Parkinson’s disease patients
WHAT: will react to recent news that Amgen, Inc., the manufacturer of the experimental Parkinson’s disease treatment glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), has discontinued all clinical trials of the drug, citing safety and efficacy concerns. An article by the UK research team, appearing this month in the Journal of Neurosurgery, presents evidence from a phase I clinical trial conducted at UK that calls into question the reasons given by Amgen for withdrawing sponsorship of the clinical trials. UK researchers and patients say that GDNF is effective in treating Parkinson’s disease, and that compassionate use of the drug should be granted to those patients whose lives were improved by the experimental treatment.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005
WHERE: 317 Charles T. Wethington, Jr. Building, Rose Street
MORE: Parking is available in the Kentucky Clinic garage. Please bring media credentials for free parking.
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