ILIARY NEUROTROPHIC FACtor (CNTF), a protein with a molecular weight of 22 kD, is an endogenous neuroprotective factor that is present in Schwann cells and astrocytes but not in the peripheral circulation and is upregulated during injury to these cells. 1,2 In a study of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) evaluating possible neuroprotective properties, CNTF did not alter disease progression. However, CNTF was found to induce marked weight loss in these patients, who in general were not obese at the outset of the trial. 3 This result was not fully understood until it was discovered that CNTF and the weightregulating hormone leptin have a related intracellular signaling mechanism. 4 Recombinant human variant (rhv) CNTF is a genetically engineered vari-Author Affiliations are listed at the end of this article. Financial Disclosures: Dr Ettinger has received ongoing research grant support, owns common stock in, and acted as a consultant for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Dr Heyman is a former employee of Celeris and is now a paid consultant. Ms Stambler was an employee of Regeneron during the study and when data were analyzed. Drs Guler and Roberts and Ms Vicary are employees of and own stock in Regeneron.
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