Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

World's First Patient Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinson's In Japan

A patient has received a pioneering <span>stem cell treatment</span> for Parkinson's disease in <span>Japan</span>, marking a world first following the therapy's conditional approval in the country.

Developed by Japanese drugmaker <span>Sumitomo Pharma</span> in collaboration with Dr <span>Jun Takahashi</span> at <span>Kyoto University</span>, the therapy, <span>Amchepry</span> (also known as raguneprocel), is the world's first induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based treatment for Parkinson's disease. It received conditional approval in March 2026 following successful clinical trial results.

The first transplant was performed at Kyoto University Hospital in October, the company said on Friday in an earnings press release, without providing further details, AFP reported.

<h2>How Does the Parkinson's Stem Cell Treatment Work?</h2>

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/parkinsons-at-40-why-younger-adults-are-being-diagnosed-earlier-than-before-article-154052302" data-type="tilCustomLink">Parkinson’s at 40: Why Younger Adults Are Being Diagnosed Earlier Than Before</a>

The treatment uses iPSCs obtained from healthy donors, which are developed into precursors of dopamine-producing neurons and transplanted into the brain to replace cells lost due to Parkinson's disease.

iPSCs are created by reprogramming mature, specialised cells to return to an earlier state, allowing them to develop into different cell types.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/stem-cell-therapy-for-autism-what-indias-new-advisory-means-for-patients-article-156172804" data-type="tilCustomLink">Stem cell therapy</a>, also known as regenerative medicine, uses stem cells or their derivatives to repair or replace damaged tissues.

During the clinical trial, seven patients aged between 50 and 69 received implants of either five million or 10 million cells on both sides of the brain.

The patients were monitored for two years. Researchers found no major adverse effects, while four participants showed improvements in their symptoms, AFP reported.

Sumitomo Pharma said it plans to perform transplants in 20 to 30 patients by March 2029. The company is also conducting a clinical trial of the treatment in the United States.

The therapy will receive full approval in Japan if its safety and effectiveness are confirmed over the next seven years, according to local media reports.

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/parkinsons-disease-women-have-more-motor-complications-depression-article-156341281" data-type="tilCustomLink">Parkinson’s Disease: Women Have More Motor Complications, Depression</a>

<h2>Japan Also Approves <span rel="noindex">Stem Cell Therapy</span> for Heart Failure</h2>

The announcement comes a month after a hospital in Osaka performed the world's first surgery using sheets of heart muscle cells derived from iPSCs.

The sheets are designed to promote new blood vessel formation and help restore heart function. The treatment also received conditional approval in Japan in March.

Conditional approval allows these therapies to be used clinically while additional data on their safety and effectiveness are collected.

Warning Signs of Cancer-Linked Strokes Explained

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It primarily affects people over the age of 60 and is estimated to affect more than 10 million people worldwide, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.

Dopamine plays an important role in controlling movement. Its loss can cause symptoms such as:

<ul><li>Tremors, often beginning in one hand, foot or the jaw.</li><li>Muscle stiffness and slowed movement.</li><li>Difficulty maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls.</li><li>Changes in speech, including softer or slurred speech.</li><li>Difficulty swallowing.</li></ul>

The disease can also cause cognitive decline, depression and anxiety. Currently available treatments help manage symptoms but do not stop or reverse disease progression, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

worlds-first-patient-receives-pioneering-stem-cell-treatment-for-parkinsons-in-japan

japan

Stem Cell Treatment

Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinsons

parkinsons disease

stem cell therapy

sumitomo pharma

jun takahashi

amchepry

kyoto university

parkinsons

blood-pressure-in-your-ankles-how-the-abi-test-can-reveal-hidden-peripheral-artery-disease

Blood Pressure in Your Ankles? How the ABI Test Can Reveal Hidden Peripheral Artery Disease

short-squat-sessions-may-be-as-effective-as-longer-gym-workouts

Exercise Snacking: Short Bursts Of Squats May Build Strength As Effectively As Longer Gym Sessions, Study Finds

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A patient has received a pioneering stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease in Japan, marking a world first following the therapy's conditional approval in the country.Developed by Japanese drugmaker Sumitomo Pharma in collaboration with Dr Jun Takahashi at Kyoto University, the therapy, Amchepry (also known as raguneprocel), is the world's first induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based treatment for Parkinson's disease. It received conditional approval in March 2026 following successful clinical trial results.The first transplant was performed at Kyoto University Hospital in October, the company said on Friday in an earnings press release, without providing further details, AFP reported.How Does the Parkinson's Stem Cell Treatment Work?Also read: Parkinson’s at 40: Why Younger Adults Are Being Diagnosed Earlier Than BeforeThe treatment uses iPSCs obtained from healthy donors, which are developed into precursors of dopamine-producing neurons and transplanted into the brain to replace cells lost due to Parkinson's disease.iPSCs are created by reprogramming mature, specialised cells to return to an earlier state, allowing them to develop into different cell types.Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, uses stem cells or their derivatives to repair or replace damaged tissues.What Did the Clinical Trial Find?During the clinical trial, seven patients aged between 50 and 69 received implants of either five million or 10 million cells on both sides of the brain.The patients were monitored for two years. Researchers found no major adverse effects, while four participants showed improvements in their symptoms, AFP reported.Sumitomo Pharma said it plans to perform transplants in 20 to 30 patients by March 2029. The company is also conducting a clinical trial of the treatment in the United States.The therapy will receive full approval in Japan if its safety and effectiveness are confirmed over the next seven years, according to local media reports.Read More: Parkinson’s Disease: Women Have More Motor Complications, DepressionJapan Also Approves Stem Cell Therapy for Heart FailureThe announcement comes a month after a hospital in Osaka performed the world's first surgery using sheets of heart muscle cells derived from iPSCs.The sheets are designed to promote new blood vessel formation and help restore heart function. The treatment also received conditional approval in Japan in March.Conditional approval allows these therapies to be used clinically while additional data on their safety and effectiveness are collected.      What Is Parkinson's Disease?Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. It primarily affects people over the age of 60 and is estimated to affect more than 10 million people worldwide, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.Dopamine plays an important role in controlling movement. Its loss can cause symptoms such as:Tremors, often beginning in one hand, foot or the jaw.Muscle stiffness and slowed movement.Difficulty maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls.Changes in speech, including softer or slurred speech.Difficulty swallowing.The disease can also cause cognitive decline, depression and anxiety. Currently available treatments help manage symptoms but do not stop or reverse disease progression, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.

world s first patient receives pioneering stem cell treatment for parkinson s in japan

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

World's First Patient Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinson's In Japan

Baby Formula Nutrition: US FDA Proposes Changes to Vitamins A, D, Iodine and Manganese – What Parents Must Know

Ebola 2026 Outbreak: Death Toll Nears 5,000; Kenya, Nigeria Cases Linked to Congo

500 Newborns in New York Get Improperly Stored Hepatitis B Vaccines: Why Repeat Doses May Be Needed

Health Conditions A-Z

Blood Pressure in Your Ankles? How the ABI Test Can Reveal Hidden Peripheral Artery Disease

World's First Patient Receives Pioneering Stem Cell Treatment For Parkinson's In Japan

Exercise Snacking: Short Bursts Of Squats May Build Strength As Effectively As Longer Gym Sessions, Study Finds