What is CDNF? Conserved Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor Growth factor known as a trophic factor Stimulates the growth of neurons

Recent In Vivo Studies Scientists need rats that exhibit Parkinson’s- like symptoms – Administer 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Kills off Dopaminergic neurons Induces Parkinson’s-like symptoms L-DopaDopamine 6-hydroxydopamine

Important Lab Findings CDNF was injected into Striatum of rats before 6-OHDA – CDNF prevented PD symptoms from occurring Rats were treated to express PD symptoms – Injected with 6-OHDA – 4 weeks later, treated with CDNF Neuron function and viability was restored

Screening Patients Adequate patient response to L-Dopa – Indicates DA neurons are degraded but treatable No effect of L-Dopa – Indicates that DA neurons have degraded completely

Benefits in human trials CDNF has a “protective” effect – Prevents neuron degradation CDNF can restore up to 98% function – Promoting DNA replication Can be administered through lumbar puncture – Out-patient procedure – Anaesthetized for comfort – Use Mannitol to penetrate the Blood-Brain-Barrier