Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute Launches Largest Study to Date to Explore "Awakening" Effects of Common Sleep Drug on Vegetative Patients

PHILADELPHIA--(Business Wire)--
Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI), the research arm of MossRehab,
one of the world`s leading clinical rehabilitation centers, has launched an
ambitious research study to investigate how the sleep drug zolpidem might
restore consciousness for patients in the vegetative state. Led by John Whyte,
MD, PhD, Director of MRRI, the new research study is the largest and most
rigorously designed study to date that will examine zolpidem as a promising
possibility for patients with disorders of consciousness.

After severe brain injury, some patients remain permanently unconscious, a
condition know as the vegetative state, for which no proven treatment exists.
However, there are encouraging results that demonstrate that the common sleep
aid zolpidem (originally marketed as Ambien but now available generically) can
restore consciousness to patients who have been in this state for several years.

Dr. Whyte and his team initially conducted a small pilot study, based on reports
of "miraculous" results among patients with prolonged unconsciousness. In the
study of 15 individuals was a male patient in his 20`s, who had been rendered
unconscious as a result of a car accident four years earlier. The patient could
open and close his eyes and move his limbs, but he showed no real awareness of
things around him and only stared vacantly. In the pilot study, Dr. Whyte and
his team administered zolpidem to this patient, with excellent results: after a
single dose of the drug, but not after an identical appearing placebo, the
patient was able to respond to commands to move his leg, and was observed to
follow other people`s movements with his eyes and even wave goodbye. (The other
participants showed no such effects.)

Based on this success, the new MRRI study, which is federally funded, will be
conducted over three years and seeks to enroll about 100 patients, from all over
the country, who are in a vegetative or minimally conscious state due to brain
injury. The study will examine not just how many people respond to the drug but
why the drug has such a dramatic effect on some patients but not others and just
how the drug is working. Dr. Whyte and his colleagues theorize that the drug may
turn off brain cells that are preventing other parts of the brain from working.

"For medical research, this study enables us to look more closely at whether or
not there is a part of the brain that has the ability to allow a person in a
vegetative state to regain consciousness and start functioning again," said Dr.
Whyte. "For caregivers of patients whose vegetative states were deemed
permanent, this research may offer hope and a way to reconnect with loved ones."

The study is actively seeking participants; those interested in possibly
enrolling a patient or obtaining more information should contact Moss
Rehabilitation Research Institute at 215-663-6872 or participants@einstein.edu.

Founded in 1992 under the leadership of Dr. Whyte, the Moss Rehabilitation
Research Institute has conducted a wide range of research projects in a variety
of clinical areas, with a particular emphasis on outcomes related to traumatic
brain injury and on rehabilitation of disorders of skilled action,
consciousness, language, and attention.

About MossRehab

A division of Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, MossRehab has a worldwide
reputation for excellence in rehabilitation research and therapy. MossRehab has
repeatedly been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of "America`s
Best" rehabilitation centers. MossRehab treats patients with complex physical
needs related to brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and musculoskeletal
disorders and also provides comprehensive treatment for orthopaedic and
sports-related injuries or conditions; hand trauma, amputation and neurological
diseases. MossRehab offers unparalleled experience, caring and compassionate
staff, and a clinical and research staff that includes some of the world`s
foremost experts in rehabilitation medicine. Visit www.mossrehab.com for more
information.

About Albert Einstein Healthcare Network

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network is a 1,200 bed integrated delivery network
with nearly 7,500 employees serving the communities of North Philadelphia and
Montgomery County, PA. The network`s primary location, Albert Einstein Medical
Center, is the largest independent academic medical center in the Delaware
Valley. The Einstein network also provides a comprehensive range of healthcare
services through the Einstein at Elkins Park hospital campus, MossRehab, Belmont
Behavioral Health, Einstein at Germantown, Willow Terrace (a nursing home),
Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), outpatient facilities such as Center
One and Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare, and a network of primary care and
specialist practices throughout the community. For more information, visit
www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

MossRehab
Media Contact:
Heather Newcomb, 215-456-6734
newcombh@einstein.edu

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