ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
THE SHEPHERD'S GIFT: GM1 FOR HD FUNDS HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE (HD) RESEARCH USING NATURALLY SOURCED GM1 GANGLIOSIDE
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We are dedicated to a promising therapeutic for Huntington's Disease known as GM1 ganglioside (GM1). It is neuroprotective and neuroregenerative allowing it to protect and heal damaged brain cells. GM1 is a naturally occurring molecule found in all mammals. It is deficient in HD, Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's (ALZ) patients. It has shown great promise in animal models to reverse the devastating symptoms of HD (described as PD, ALZ, and ALS, all rolled into one). GM1 from a cow source, which FDA will no longer approve due to traceability issues, has also been used in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury with promising results. What is missing is a GM1 source that FDA will approve, After a pre Investigative New Drug Application, FDA agreed that GM1 from a specific genetic line of sheep can meet their requirements for drug approval. The Shepherd's Gift (TSG) is dedicated to shepherding ovine GM1 through the elaborate and expensive clinical trial process while giving hope to people affected with neurologic diseases. It takes large sums of money to get through the new drug approval process. The bovine (cow) source of GM1 was in Phase II clinical trials when FDA removed it due to the Mad Cow Disease outbreak. FDA considers ovine GM1 to be a new molecule and requires it to go through the preclinical research phase that the cow source previously completed. Bovine and ovine GM1 are chemically the same. Thanks to funds raised through TSG, research is underway to prove they are biologically the same. Your help is needed to provide relief to people and families afflicted with devastating neurologic diseases such as HD, PD, ALZ, stroke, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. The remarkable part of this project is that while sheep farmers are producing a value added product they are helping improve the quality of life for others. And in return rural economies benefit.
The Shepherd’s Gift: GM1 for HD brings together families – the families who are living with this debilitating disease and sheep farmers. It’s all about families helping families. The response from sheep farmers, who are willing to raise the sheep that will supply the GM1 to treat patients, has been impressive. Currently, there is a waiting list of producers who would like to participate. As the research moves forward and clinical trials become a reality, many more sheep producers can be incorporated.
We continue to apply for grants and other funding sources but we need your help to impact lives, as we try to bring GM1 to clinical trials for HD families who currently have no other disease modifying treatment.
Donate on The Shepherd's Gift Facebook Page or If you would rather donate by US mail send to:
The Shepherd's Gift, PO Box 382, Brookings, SD 57006.
For more information see:
NON-PROFIT IRS EIN: 47-2396354
