STANFORD UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHOWS DRUG TREATMENT EFFECTIVE FOR MICE WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF DOWN'S SYNDROME

26/02/2007

Researchers at Stanford University in California have proved that a once-a-day, short-term treatment with a drug compound called pentylenetetrazole, or PTZ, improved learning and memory in mice with Down's syndrome symptoms.

Embargoed until 18:00h GMT, 25th February 2007

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STANFORD UNIVERSITY RESEARCH SHOWS DRUG TREATMENT EFFECTIVE FOR MICE WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF DOWN'S SYNDROME

 

Researchers at Stanford University in California have proved that a once-a-day, short-term treatment with a drug compound called pentylenetetrazole, or PTZ, improved learning and memory in mice with Down's syndrome symptoms.

Craig Garner PhD, the Co-director of Stanford's Down Syndrome Research Center, said: -

"This treatment has remarkable potential.  Our findings clearly open a new avenue for considering how cognitive dysfunction in individuals with Down's syndrome might be treated."

However, the compound is not currently approved for use in humans by the Food and Drug Administration in the US.  In high doses it is known to cause seizures.  Garner and PhD student Fabian Fernandez, who conducted the research, both strongly cautioned individuals against experimenting with PTZ or similar compounds on their own. 

Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, said: -

"The Down's Syndrome Association warmly welcomes any new research that has potential benefit to the lives of people with Down's syndrome and the Down Syndrome Research Center at Stanford consistently produces highly respected, pioneering work.  However, we must remember that this research has been conducted with mouse models.  At this stage the compound PTZ is not approved for human use and until extensive further clinical trials with real people have been conducted it will be impossible to predict how this drug might affect the lives and abilities of people with Down's syndrome."

Notes for editors

 Interviews with spokespeople are available on request

 There are currently 60,000 people with Down's syndrome living in the UK

 The DSA is a national charity that exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome

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