Cardiac stem cells ID’d in lab

MDA research grantees find cardiac muscle stem cells in the hearts of rodents and humans. They say the cells, identified by the presence of the protein islet-1, are likely to help researchers understand human heart muscle disease and may even lead to treatment strategies.

Sodium phenylbutyrate trial begins in ALS

MDA researchers discover that sodium phenylbutyrate appears to interfere with a cell death program and extends the lives of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). In conjunction with the Veterans Administration, they begin a trial of the drug in people with ALS.

Ceftriaxone helps mice with ALS

An MDA-supported research team reports that the drug ceftriaxone extends lives and prolongs strength in mice with ALS. A clinical trial of the drug, which experts believe improves recycling of the potentially toxic chemical glutamate, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006.