A 3D printed device created by UK-based metal additive manufacturing company Renishaw was recently used in a breakthrough clinical trial for treating Parkinson’s disease, a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

The drug being tested is the Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), a naturally occurring protein found in our brains and discovered that can help to regenerate dying dopamine brain cells in patients, resulting in improved symptoms.

The groundbreaking clinical trial for treating Parkinson’s, conducted by the North Bristol NHS Trust, was recently highlighted in a BBC Two documentary called The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure?

Treating Parkinson’s remained a challenge and one of the reasons is the blood-brain barrier, a border that separates blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. This structure makes it difficult to deliver drugs into the brain. However, the new 3D-printed device offers a way to bypass this barrier and enabling the precise delivery of drugs.

The metal 3D printed device by Renishaw

In the clinical trial, 42 patients undergo surgery and had the 3D printed drug delivery device embedded into their skulls using the Renishaw “neuromate” surgical robot. The robot allowed for the devices to be carefully implanted while also positioning the four catheters into the brain.

Professor Steven Gill, Neurosurgeon Consultant who design the drug delivery device said that the trial has shown that it can safely and repeatedly infuse drugs directly into patient’s brains over months or years through a small implanted port that emerges through the skin behind he ear. This is a significant breakthrough because most drugs cannot cross from the bloodstream into the brain due to a natural protective barrier. 

The trial was funded by Parkinson’s UK with support from the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and the North Bristol NHS Trust. Globally, more than 10 million people suffer from the disease. Having a viable treatment method for the disorder could have a huge impact on patients, their life, and family.

Source: bbc.co.uk
Image is from the internet