'If these results play out in further trials, and there is a true treatment for a variety of currently untreatable neurological diseases, this could be one of the greatest discoveries in treating neurological conditions in the last 50 years.'

The research shows how a protein called KDI tri-peptide (KDI) can block the harmful effects of glutamate, a substance present in all degenerative brain diseases and spinal cord injuries, which causes permanent cell death and prevents the repair of damaged nerve connections. Glutamate is produced as part of the body’s natural reaction to central nervous system damage.

No Toxic Effects, Easily Synthesized

In the new study, researchers at the Brain Laboratory at the University of Helsinki and at the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida., show KDI to be a potent and wide-ranging blocker of glutamate’s damaging chemical processes.

It therefore has a tremendous ability to protect the brain and spinal cord from cell death and even enable regrowth.

Human clinical trials are expected to begin as soon as next year. No toxic side effects have been seen in studies so far, and the Finnish researchers do not expect any, since KDI occurs naturally in the human body, including in the central nervous system.

An added advantage is that KDI can be easily synthesized, therefore avoiding the problems associated with human cell donation.

Paralysis Reversal in Rats

The new findings follow from previous studies in which KDI, when injected into the spines of paralyzed rats, produced dramatic results. The rats were able to bear weight and walk again after only 3 months.

Further laboratory experiments showed that KDI also had the ability to promote regrowth of nerves in damaged areas and to prevent brain cell death. These results paved the way for new research with human cells.

In the new study, Dr. P