human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor cells (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

This embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived neural precursor cell therapy is an investigational regenerative medicine developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Institute of Zoology for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The therapy involves the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural precursor cells (NPCs), which are then stereotactically transplanted into the striatum of patients. The goal of the treatment is for these precursor cells to mature into functional dopaminergic neurons, thereby replacing the cells lost to the disease and restoring dopamine production. Preclinical studies in non-human primates demonstrated the successful conversion of these cells into dopamine-releasing neurons. A Phase I/II open-label clinical trial (NCT03119636) was initiated in China to assess the safety and efficacy of this intracerebral transplantation approach, utilizing HLA-matched cells from a centralized embryonic stem cell bank.

Other names

hESC-derived neural precursor cellsESC-derived NPCshuman embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor cellsNPC transplantation